The Summer Transfer Rumour Thread

[Kick]

Who will be joining the Blues this summer?

Despite our impressive season thus far, it is obvious Chelsea are in need of new players come seasons end. Many older players are likely to leave as well as some players who are down the pecking order. This means we will be rather busy throughout the window with players joining, players leaving and youngsters going on loan.
One position which is undoubtedly secured is our manager position. Jose has done a fantastic job and wants to stay long term. He will be here next season as we look to win more than one trophy (perhaps we'll do that this year too).  One thing to factor in this summer is the World Cup. This means we have a month less to sign players, however, there are always gems uncovered during the world cup so perhaps we will snap one of those gems up?

Despite some reports claiming otherwise, there is no evidence that Mata was sold to comply with FFP which leads me to believe we could spend in large quantities over the summer, however, we should receive some money from sales.

First, let's take a look at the possible incoming transfers:
Strikers
Diego Costa, obviously the first name on this list, Costa has been in fine form for a while now and looks more and more likely to be joining us as long as a fee can be agreed. Diego Simeone recently said they would not block any potential Costa move which means that as long as we can agree on a fee, Costa will be ours. This could happen before the world cup if Chelsea act quickly. If not, his price might rise depending on his performance at the world cup. He will be one player that most Chelsea fans will be watching in Brazil regardless.

Mario Mandzukic, with Robert Lewandowski signing for Bayern, it is possible that Mandzukic could leave the German champions. All of Bayern have been denying that Super Mario will leave though so this could be a difficult task to pull him away from what is arguably the best team in the world at the moment. If he does decide to change teams, we will face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal for his signature. I see him as a back up option to Costa.

Edison Cavani, Radamel Falcao, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli have also been linked with us, however, they seem less plausible options.

Left Back
Luke Shaw, a good wholesome Chelsea lad, a Leftback, a starlet with massive potential. What's not to love about this guy? Well, we don't exactly have the greatest need for him with Dave playing his socks off every game, however, Azpilicueta can always move to RB allowing Shaw into the LB spot, unlikely, but possible. If a deal is to happen, we'll have to fend off the likes of City and United for him and I can't see it happening before we sign a CF.

Other possible names for the LB position are: Ricardo Rodríguez and Alex Sandro.

Midfield
Ross Barkley, a fantastic English youngster who is having his break out season, he is an AM could play CM, Jose has publicly stated he is a fan, what could go wrong? Well, Barkley has been linked with everyone, including Liverpool recently, it won't be easy nor will it be cheap to acquire his services.
While there have been no links to a CM, it is widely believed Chelsea will be in the market for one. Watch out for rumours about a CM when we begin to gear up for the world cup.

Other
Other players linked to us in less needed positions are: Lavezzi and John Stones. Lavezzi is unneeded and more than likely just paper talk while John Stones could be a great player for the future in CB.

Departures:
Likely:
Ashley Cole, Mark Schwarzer, Samuel Eto'o and Hilario, all released. Ba, Marin, Moses, Saville, Kakuta and Romeu to be sold.

Possible:
Mikel, Lampard, Torres, Bertrand and Lukaku could all leave, Torres and Mikel have been linked with clubs in Italy while Lukaku has been linked with teams in Germany. Lampard to USA is a mainstay in the rumour mill.

Unlikely:
Terry, McEachran, Oscar, Hazard and David Luiz could be surprise departures from the club, however, I don't think any of them will leave.

Loans:
Kalas, Ake, McEachran, Chalobah, T. Hazard, Atsu, Piazon, Van Aanholt, Wallace, Traore, Omeruo, Kane, Bamford, Pasalic and Perica will more than likely be loaned again.

Kicks prediction:
In: Costa, Shaw, and Stones
Out (notable only): Cole, Schwarzer, Hilario, Ba, Torres, Marin, Moses, Bertrand, Mikel and the loanee's.

Formations:

Courtois
Ivanovic Cahill Terry Azpilicueta
Luiz Matic
Willian Oscar Hazard
Costa

Schurrle Lukaku Salah
Van Ginkel Lampard
Ramires
Shaw Zouma Stones XX
Cech

Obviously it is a young looking second defence but I doubt we'd ever be reduced to that. Azpilicueta can fill in at RB with Shaw coming in at LB. Blackman, Eto'o and youth players making up the rest of the squad.

Final words:
A CF is a must, everything else is optional. What is everyone's thoughts and predictions?

[Shed]

Before I read this, do you want me to resize the banner for you so it fits the page Kicky?

[Kick]

Fits my page

[Shed]

Really?


Cuts off right next to the S for me...

[Kick]

You can if you want to but I am not bothered, it's nothing special, just wanted to it make it look less like a wall of text.

[Shed]

Yea ik, I'm only asking as I know you don't have Photoshop to resize pics so whenever you post an image too wide for the page, it cuts off.

[Kick]

You can if you feel the need to.

[Shed]

This isn't my usual nitpicky or fastidious objection - really. I was just genuinely asking if you wanted it done.

[Kick]

Not really, as I said, it has very little significance.

[Shed]

Ok then


Now off to read this essay

[Shed]

• Lamps is nailed on to leave, imo
• Don't think Shaw will sign anymore
• Have a feeling Bertrand will be among those sold


Certainly not my 'official' prediction if you like, but just a few quick points.

[Kick]

I wouldn't disagree with you.

If we keep Cole, which is possible, he may be ok with his current role. Then we won't sign a LB.

[Shed]

Or get rid of them both, sign another LB with an eye on him as the long-term future starter, and have Azpi continue there until then.

[Kick]

Someone like.....Shaw?   

Or we could see how PVA plays?

But going off what you said, here are some names:
Boilesen, Jetro Williems, Alberto Monero, Ben Davies.

[Shed]

Oh I'd love Super Lukey as much as anyone. I'm just increasingly less confident about it happening.

[Kick]

I reserve judgement on whether we will get him or not until we've signed a CF.

[El Chelsea Fuerte]

ffs didnt realize u created this thread

[Kick]

That's ok, it's going to be around for a while

[Kick]

"I'm very happy here.

"The latest we know is that Valencia are happy with me and they would like me to stay. I'm very comfortable here, but we'll have to wait until the end of the season.

"I still have a year on my contract and anything can happen. It's up to Chelsea to decide."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/9271067

I can't see a deal no happening tbh.

[Shed]

Me no see a deal no happen either.

[El Chelsea Fuerte]

who cares about romeu

[Shed]

I do

[El Chelsea Fuerte]

who cares bout u

[Shed]

Everyone

[El Chelsea Fuerte]

no sir

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