Chelsea face yet another summer of transition this year after a poor 2022/23 season. The Blues are on course to finish in the Premier League bottom half for the first team since 1996 in a disastrous first 12 months for Todd Boehly.
The feeling around the club has somewhat softened in recent days following the positive news of Mauricio Pochettino's appointment. football.london understands the former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss has agreed a deal to take over at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Pochettino will return to England with a point to prove after seeing his tenure in north London end in disappointing fashion. But for the Argentine to be a success under Boehly and Clearlake Capital, he must be backed in the transfer market the right way.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea contract details revealed as deal edges closer to completion
In the last two windows, £600million has been spent on new signings. The 16 signings have split opinion on whether they've been smart acquisitions, but the strategy of investing in young players means time remains in their hands.
This time, Boehly cannot afford to make another mistake in the window. Reports from The Telegraph have claimed the Blues are keen to add two or three players to the current squad ahead of next season. A new striker and goalkeeper is expected to be the two priorities after continuous problems but midfield continues to be a weak point.
Chelsea bolstered their options in the engine room with the British record signing of Enzo Fernandez for £106m, with the World Cup winner a consistent in the side throughout the second half of the season. However, with N'Golo Kante and Mason Mount's contract situation remaining unclear, a new face in midfield could be on Pochettino's list and Frenkie de Jong's situation could be one revisited.
De Jong recently helped Barcelona win their first La Liga title since 2019 in another impressive campaign for the Dutchman. The defensive midfielder was strongly linked with a move away from Spain, with football.london understanding that Chelsea had liked the idea of bringing him to London.
It's said that the club were once confident of securing his services following talks, but he opted against the move. Fast forward 12 months and De Jong's contract situation remains unresolved with Barcelona, casting an element of doubt over his future.
He could become available, once again, courtesy of Lionel Messi's return to Spain. The Barcelona legend is understood to be working on a move back to Spain, with president Joan Laporta insisting the move could happen.
"I have spoke to Leo Messi, we've recovered the relationship by exchanging messages - it was nice," he told TV3 after their title-clinching win over Espanyol. "We want Leo Messi back, we can do it but we can't offer crazy figures; so we hope La Liga will approve our viability plan to proceed with the new signings."
If Barcelona are able to lure Messi back to Nou Camp, De Jong could be one of the many stars up for sale, leaving the door open for Chelsea to swoop him and get their man.
Any question marks over the Netherlands international have been swiftly overruled by Barcelona teammate Ronald Araujo. The defender interrupted De Jong's TV interview on Sunday with a glowing reference. "Here is the best midfielder in the world, Frenkie De Jong. A crack, a crack," he said.
Should Chelsea become the best team in the world, they're going to need the best players in the world.
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