Shadow Puppets

They have thought it's imminent, yes. Because the level of confidence in it getting done has been so high. Imminent doesn't mean bid accepted... it means that they expect to reach an agreement imminently.

And no-one has ever said they'd agreed a fee. What I've been told, and have shared on here, is that last week (prior to the friendlies) we were very very confident that it would be done in time for him to play a part in those. Guehi had been talking to some of our players about life up here, and that he wants to and is expecting to join us. Also that there is some financial incentive for us to get it done prior to the season starting (something to do with a Chelsea clause). Then that didn't happen, but at the weekend I was told they were all still very confident that it would happen imminently. Then Parish came out with his spiel in the week, and I was told we were still interested and negotiating and it's still looking good... just brinksmanship... and that has proven to be true. I still feel like that's the case, but I haven't spoken to anyone in the last couple of days. The level of confidence on display is what makes me really think that it will eventually get done... I think it's just surprised everyone how long it's taking.

That doesn't mean to say we're not actively talking with other targets by the way... we probably are... I just don't think we've finished with this one.

How? It's not just one source, and everything they've told me has been pretty much correct, apart from the fact he hasn't signed yet. They are (or at least as of last time I spoke to them) very confident of getting him. They're also absolutely 100% correct that he wants the move. They just thought it would have happened sooner than this.

For what it's worth, purely based on what I've been told and how confident people have been about it happening, I don't think we'll walk away from this one just yet.

What's the common thread? They were all played out in public (largely due to their agents or the other clubs). The deals that went relatively under the radar or happened relatively quietly... Bruno, Isak, Tonali, Gordon... who knows how long most of those took to nail down.

😀 Not like you to be negative mate. A few things... 1) The only reason this seems like we're being messed around is because it's playing out in public. For example, I know for a fact that when we signed AG10, it was our fifth attempt that finally got him. But it never felt like we were being messed around... it's just the constant reporting that makes this one feel that way. 2) Thiaw is a decent player, but Guehi is considerably better. Howe has made it clear they're looking for players who can come in and make a difference immediately and improve the starting 11. I don't personally feel like Thiaw would do that. 3) Gonzalez is just agent talk I believe.

According to the Athletic they want £60m+ for Madueke, and I don't particularly rate Chalobah.

You don't get to a 4th bid, and the level of confidence that we've had about it, without them being willing sellers.

Reading the Telegraph article in full it reads like a Crystal Palace PR piece. Just speculating, but perhaps the bit in bold is the problem. Maybe the overall price isn't the issue, it's how achievable the add-ons are.

Where?

Possibly... I genuinely can't remember so I didn't want to share it. I'm honestly not sure. I would imagine so, but I can't say with any certainty.

They were all in for Raphinha a month ago (not sure if that's still a goer). I've heard another couple of names more recently but can't fucking remember them. One of them plays RW for Porto I think, but I can't remember his name.

I guess what he's saying is there's no pressure to offload Miggy in a cut price deal in the next two weeks. Say the Guehi deal goes through AND we get a RW for £30-£40m... we could in theory lose Miggy, Lascelles and others anytime between now and the end of June next year to be compliant again, and with more commercial revenue coming in, that deficit might not be as great come June as it would appear now. But what the fuck do I know 😀

Howe said something pretty telling today... that we don't necessarily need to lose any more players this window in order to bring them in. I guess the subtext is that we don't necessarily have to sell Miggy in order to get a new RW in, but he did say between this window and the next there would need to be player trading, in and out, to remain compliant... just not necessarily this window.

For what it's worth, Eddie has been very coy in his press conference this morning. Asked a few times about Guehi, wouldn't be drawn on it, and at one point said "nothing is close". Doesn't really mean much, I guess, but worth noting.

Yeah… I don’t know the full details of what that incentive is… but it’s something to do with Chelsea. I don’t know whether we have to have it completely signed sealed and delivered today or whether we just need to stop him starting the season at Palace for it to take effect. We’ll see I guess. My ultimatum theory could also tie in with Parish’s comments the other day about not “being given a decision to make” yet.

Assuming the info I’ve been told is accurate (about the financial incentive to get this done prior to the season starting), it wouldn’t surprise me if this has an ultimatum attached to it and we hear that it’s been accepted today.

😀

No idea. Just aware that Ipswich are one of the clubs enquiring about his situation.

Yep... as I've said he's been openly talking to his friends about it (his friends including some of our squad).

Sky Sports on the ball as ever. We knew this two days ago.

Not sure if this has been public knowledge or not, but Ipswich are one of the clubs to have shown an interest in Miggy over the last few weeks. No bid yet though.

I assume so, judging by them still negotiating, but I don’t know to be honest.

Yeah, as far as I’m told we’re still negotiating for him. Certainly haven’t walked away and everyone still seems incredibly confident 🤷‍♂️