While Mauricio Pochettino will be tasked with the challenge of trimming down a largely bloated squad, he must also identify and recruit the correct profiles to further strengthen Chelsea. The former Tottenham boss has been heavily linked with the head coach vacancy at Stamford Bridge for last month or so, and a decision has finally been made.
football.london understands that the Blues agreed a deal to make Pochettino the club's new manager. After weeks of positive conversations and talks between the two parties, the former Tottenham boss is set to takeover from Frank Lampard at the end of the season.
It's believed that Pochettino is yet to put pen to paper, but he's expected to do so in the coming days. The Argentine will have a full pre-season to get his feet under the table and begin planning for next season.
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Todd Boehly is expected to provide Pochettino with a war chest to catalyse his project in west London. While he'll be tempted to spend big, there could be a couple of great bargains on the market if two of Leicester City, Leeds United or Everton join Southampton in the Championship next season.
So, with that being said, football.london have taken a look at the eight players, who are valued at a staggering £127million, Chelsea could sign from potentially relegated sides.
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea late in the summer transfer window, just weeks after leaving Manchester City to join the Saints. The Blues were unsuccessful in their mission to sign the the 19-year-old, but he remains firmly on the club's radar.
football.london understands the Blues are huge admirers of the Belgian star and they've done extensive scouting research on him. Lavia, who sees his contract at St Mary's expire in 2027, has featured 27 times for Ruben Selles' side this season, anchoring the Southampton midfield to excellent effect despite their relegation.
Armel Bella-Kotchap
While Armel Bella-Kotchap hasn't enjoyed as much success as his teammate, he's proved that there's lots of potential waiting to be unlocked. If Chelsea could sign the 21-year-old and find him a loan in the Premier League – just like they did for Levi Colwill.
James Maddison
Ordinarily, Maddison might not be on the Blues' radar with Christopher Nkunku set to arrive in the summer. But, the England international is a superb playmaker who could spruce up the side for the right price.
Wilfried Ndidi
Chelsea are in desperate need of a holding midfield who can break up play and redistribute the play to excellent effect. Ndidi has previously showed his superb quality for the Foxes and, under the right manager, he could prove to be a great acquisition if the Blues want to spend big elsewhere.
Patson Daka
Another area which Chelsea need to strengthen is the striker position. Daka doesn't necessarily fit the profile of what the Blues could be after – somebody similar to Diego Costa – but for a cut-price fee he could be worth a punt as a backup option.
Willy Gnonto
Gnonto has been a pleasant addition to the Premier League this season, lifting supporters from their seats whenever he's on the ball. The 19-year-old Leeds United forward might not be the finished product yet but he'll certainly have a handful of top clubs chasing his signature in the summer.
Jordan Pickford
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy both face increasingly uncertain futures at the club, with questions marks over their ability. Jordan Pickford could be the signing that finally solves Chelsea's crisis between the sticks.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Similarly to Patson Daka, Calvert-Lewin could be great backup striker for Pochettino. The 26-year-old striker has struggled with injuries recently but, if given the chance, he could very easily notch 15 Premier League goals a term.
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