Winter Transfer Speculation and Shit.

[AFC Leveller]

Has anyone seen this Daxler guy regularely and if so, what is he like? wide player with pace? goal scorer outwide? attacking midfielder? play maker?

[Heisenberg]

I don't know enough about Draxler to determine how good he is, or what his best position is or will be, or whatever. I'm sceptical towards the prospect of paying 35m or more on a 20 year old, who isn't yet playing in the position he would be groomed for, but I will trust Arsene's judgement if he does go for him. With that said, I still think we need someone else, as a stopgap or a backup to play up front, for now, rather than when Draxler's "ready". Someone cheap, if we can.

[Munchies]

Essien fails his AC medical

Returning to Chelsea

[GP]

[GP]

Apparently this is how he arrived for his medical...

[Power n Glory]

He is against the transfer window framework. The Mata transfer illustrates clearly his rationale of why he is against the framework and he goes on to demonstrate how it is in his opinion a flawed framework. Clearly he himself has to operate within it himself and has done so - because he has to.

The logic here is if there is one window - you have to live by the decisions you make at the beginning of the season. A reason why the windows were introduced in the first place was so that big yeams couldn'y buy all the playa all the time whenever the season wasn't going their way. It also was designed to help give smaller clubs some stability so that their players couldn't up sticks and leave to a bigger club after they put in a couple of good efforts that drew attention to themselves.

So why not go the whole hog and have the one window - reducing the amount of opportunities big clubs can buy success - or their way out of trouble?

The transfer window situation as it is now, is much better than what we had in the past, but there are unintended consequences - one of which was highlighted by Wenger - matter of factly and without recourse to dragging this into the gutter by making a personal attack on anybody.

I understand his argument but I disagree with it.

If we had an under performing player sitting on our benches and causing problems in the ranks because he's upset about not playing, I'd want him out.

We also have an opportunity to strengthen our squad with a striker if we're willing to put in the work and that boosts our chances of winning the title. We should be taking advantage of it.

Wenger's appeal to the media and using Chelsea as an example is a bad idea. It's like when Platini kept on using us as an example of why the under 16s contract situation had to change. I understood his argument and agree that big clubs shouldn't be able to sign up young players before they've signed professional contracts with their home clubs, but we operated within the rules. Platini constantly mentioning us made me think he had a problem with Wenger and our club. He was spot on with his argument though and as a UEFA representative, he's within his rights to say such things and change the rules.

Wenger is talking to media pundits about a rival club and they have no power to change the rules, they have no interest of changing the rules and they take press opportunities to spin stories and sensationalise. What else did he think would happen when he goes on to talk again about Chelsea's transfers? Didn't he learn from the whole 'voyeurism' saga with Jose? They have no interest in his philosophy. I guy with his experience should know by now that he's being set up for a trap and that's if he has no intention of digging at Chelsea. Take this sort of think to the decision makers like the FA, UEFA and FIFA. Not to swine in form of he press.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Has anyone seen this Daxler guy regularely and if so, what is he like? wide player with pace? goal scorer outwide? attacking midfielder? play maker?

'e's quick, innit!

[Munchies]

Mata has put out a long letter thanking everyone at Chelsea, even Mourinho.

Hi everyone, As you can imagine this is a very important day in my life, and with these lines I would like to express the memories and emotions that come to me as I write.

This letter is written from my heart, and first of all I would like to say that I will never forget all the affection given to me by the Chelsea fans. From the very first day until the last. With your support and affection I have grown up as a player and I have had an amazing time both on and off the pitch. I will always feel the gratitude towards you. Always. No words are enough to give back all the things I have received.

There has been plenty of good moments: the FA Cup, my first trophy as a Blue; the immense happiness of winning titles for the first time in the club's history, such as that magical Champions League night in Munich and the Europa League... On the other hand, I have experienced some complicated situations from a personal point of view, mainly during the last six months.

Every message I got through the social media, every nice word you have said to me on the street, and of course, your support in the stadium, has made me feel incredibly proud of the Chelsea fans; you deserve a team like the one you've got, with so many fantastic players.

I won't forget the faith you put in me when I was given the player of the year award the last two seasons. I feel really proud and I will never forget those nights.

Thank you so much for the way you have treated me, you have been unbelievable. I hope you understand that after going through a complicated and, for me, new situation in the last few months,

I believe this is the best choice in order to carry on with my football career and to keep enjoying this sport. Before last summer, my intention was to stay here for a long time; as long as the club wanted me to, and to keep winning trophies for Chelsea FC.

This is how happy I was in the club and in the city. However, as you all know, things changed after the preseason. From feeling like an important player, I started to experience some difficult situations and I felt unable to help the team to the extent that I wanted and was used to. Obviously, I fully respect the circumstances.

Football is a team sport and it's not easy to play regularly in such a good squad. In sports you may win or lose, but the most important thing is to give everything. I hope you know and feel that I have always done so. In every game, in every training session, without exception.

I have always tried my best for the club. I would like to emphasise the affection, admiration and respect that I've had for my former team mates since the first day. I want to thank the captains for their help and understanding at all times. They made me feel comfortable when I arrived and they have supported me throughout the difficult times this season.

I thank all my former team mates for these two and a half years and I wish them the best, personally and professionally, for the future. Of course I have been closer to some of them, but the most important thing is that my years in Chelsea have left me with great friends.

Friends forever, football rivalries aside. I also want to highlight the day-to-day job of every member of the Chelsea staff: medical team, kit men, staff at Cobham and Stamford Bridge, media and marketing department, Chelsea TV team... All of them are very important in making this club a great one.

Thank you for your treatment and your efforts to make the life of the players easier. Furthermore, thanks to every manager I have had the pleasure to work with during my time here. They have all been a big help for my progression as a player. I have always respected their decisions, whatever they were; they made me more mature and a stronger person.

You learn from everything, and certain situations make you think about other team mates who are coping with similar situations more regularly. Thank you Andre for giving me the opportunity to join Chelsea FC. Without your support, none of this would have happened.

To Robbie and Rafa, for their unlimited trust in me. And to Jose, for making me a stronger player, because in difficult moments, I have learnt to remain positive and to keep working hard. Lastly, I want to thank the Club, and in particular its owner, Roman Abramovich, for trusting me and making an important investment when signing me.

Also for their understanding regarding my situation over the last months. I'm very glad to have been part of the squad that made his and our dream come true: winning the Champions League on that unforgettable night in Munich. Additionally, my years in Chelsea have been profitable for the club, which I'm very pleased about. I want to make clear that the stage that now comes to an end has been extremely important for me, personally and professionally.

Although many of you, like myself, never thought this moment would come, this is football and a new chapter is about to begin. I would have liked to say good bye to all of you in the stadium, or in a press conference, but it has not been possible. I'm sure,

i will be able to do it in the future, because is what you deserve. Evidently, today is a day of mixed feelings, remembering the past and looking forward to the future and what it has to bring.

I look forward to being happy and to enjoy what I like the most: play football. I will never forget my time in Chelsea and the affection I take with me, I will keep forever. I wish you the best. A big hug to all of you.

THANK YOU so much,
Juan

RVC just said the little boy made him leave

[Xhaka Can’t]

I understand his argument but I disagree with it.

If we had an under performing player sitting on our benches and causing problems in the ranks because he's upset about not playing, I'd want him out.

We also have an opportunity to strengthen our squad with a striker if we're willing to put in the work and that boosts our chances of winning the title. We should be taking advantage of it.

Wenger's appeal to the media and using Chelsea as an example is a bad idea. It's like when Platini kept on using us as an example of why the under 16s contract situation had to change. I understood his argument and agree that big clubs shouldn't be able to sign up young players before they've signed professional contracts with their home clubs, but we operated within the rules. Platini constantly mentioning us made me think he had a problem with Wenger and our club. He was spot on with his argument though and as a UEFA representative, he's within his rights to say such things and change the rules.

Wenger is talking to media pundits about a rival club and they have no power to change the rules, they have no interest of changing the rules and they take press opportunities to spin stories and sensationalise. What else did he think would happen when he goes on to talk again about Chelsea's transfers? Didn't he learn from the whole 'voyeurism' saga with Jose? They have no interest in his philosophy. I guy with his experience should know by now that he's being set up for a trap and that's if he has no intention of digging at Chelsea. Take this sort of think to the decision makers like the FA, UEFA and FIFA. Not to swine in form of he press.

If Morinho wants to make a tit of himself, by going on about voyeurs and fixtures, that's his business. And how do you know he does not take this sort of issue to the decision makers? I'm betting he regularly does.

Wenger should be free to express whatever he wants without having to modify his actions to take account of a classless piece of shit who if he didn't use this as an opportunity to try to drag Wenger into the gutter - would use something else. It is what he does.

[Power n Glory]

If Morinho wants to make a tit of himself, by going on about voyeurs and fixtures, that's his business. And how do you know he does not take this sort of issue to the decision makers? I'm betting he regularly does.

Wenger should be free to express whatever he wants without having to modify his actions to take account of a classless piece of shit who if he didn't use this as an opportunity to try to drag Wenger into the gutter - would use something else. It is what he does.

Is that important to the argument? Does it matter if he speaks to UEFA about this? This is about what's said in the press and how their agenda differs from his, assuming he's being sincere. I've seen him swerve questions on player transfers knowing it cause problems so I don't know why he keeps choosing Chelsea as his soapbox moment if he knows Jose is the type to get personal. He's free to do what he wants but I personally think it's foolish to keep falling into the same trap regarding these issues.