We had 2 top players for almost every position during Mourinho's first spell, and for a few seasons after. We were such a strong side for a good few seasons. IMO we should have won the CL three times between 2005 and 2012. So for me Sandro is definitely the level of quality we should be recruiting.
Alonso can also play as a central back so we get coverage from both left wing backs then.
I don't deny Sandro is a better player. I just feel as though to spend a club record fee on a player a single year after spending (pretty successfully) on that exact position should be limited to a scenario where the rest of the team is sorted. Priorities lie elsewhere, for me anyway.
We do need a player at wingback, it's arguably the most crucial need for reinforcement after CM.
We don't need to worry ourselves about overpaying for a player. One thing I know very well is that Abramovich is a shrewd business man he would be able to take care of the books well.
Not disagreeing in the fact we need 'someone', however would we not be best placed to sign someone who's perhaps more of an up and coming LWB for half the price? Say Jose Gaya from Valencia, rather than splashing out £60m on someone who will effectively replace Alonso. Alonso has done more than enough to justify a starting position for next season, what sort of message would that give high performing Chelsea players knowing they'll be replaced at the drop of a hat?
I can certainly see your logic in looking to sign world class players for positions we need to prioritize. The problem is, signing world class players in general is a very difficult proposition and we've had our share of failings in this respect despite having plenty of money and top club prestige. So if we have a shot in hell of landing Alex Sandro, we should go for it, simple as that. Same for every other world class player we may land, whether they're a number one priority for the current squad or not. If Real Madrid's success teaches us anything is that you can never have too many world class footballers.
I'd imagine it would be the same message that better players than Alonso are getting in clubs like Real or Bayern when someone even better starts ahead of them. If we prioritize players' feelings over team improvement, we won't get anywhere fast.
Agree and how often do we get knocked back on other world class players, if you can buy one that strengthens the team it makes sense, providing he can gel with the dressing room.
I don't think that is the case here. Juve's president Marotti confirmed they turn a massive bid down from us. He is the last person I would think would want to fabricate stories of vast sums on offer to a player, who he is just about to enter contract negotiations with.
Pedro has had a fantastic season for us. If we got a chance to sign Sanchez to play in that position would you say we sign some up and coming forward rather than a world class player just to massage Pedro's ego? I'm sure he knows he'll absolutely sit on the bench for a Sanchez type. You say it like Alonso is some important superstar. We basically increased the profile of his career 10 fold by signing him. You're actually sending the wrong message to the best players on the team like Hazard, Courtois and Cesc by NOT signing the best players you can to help win the CL.
If we're actually making bids for Sandro (which we clearly are) then it's obvious we can afford him along with our other targets even at that price. So why are you complaining? Never seen so many fans say no to world class talent before.
