Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated his desire to sign a new midfielder this summer and will continue to “analyse” whether he needs another striker.
The Blues are closing in on two further signings, with defender Axel Disasi joining from Monaco for £39million and midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu wrapping up a £23m move from Rennes.
Pochettino has explained the reason behind Disasi’s imminent arrival, and confirmed Ugochukwu will be sent out on loan amid links to partner club Strasbourg.
"With Fofana's injury, I think it is obvious that maybe we need to reinforce this area, it is clear,” Pochettino told reporters on Sunday following a 2-0 win over Fulham, which clinched the inaugural Premier League Summer Series.
He added on Ugochukwu: "I think you're still talking about if we need experience in midfield.
"I have the information you have. My information is a player that is from France that maybe they sign with the idea to send on loan. The information was already in your laptop!"
It leaves open the possibility that Chelsea sign primary midfield target Moises Caicedo despite making little progress in negotiations with Brighton, who this week rejected a third bid worth £80m for the 21-year-old.
Pochettino also refused to rule out a third new forward signing this summer, despite the impressive form of both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku during pre-season.
He added: "Today I think we are happy with the performance and they can complement each other really well.
"Yes, of course, maybe we can add some different profile or different player who can help us, of course we are open. I am so happy with both and we have younger [talent] like Mason [Burstow] today and [Armando] Broja in the UK recovering from his procedure.
"We need to analyse now in the next weeks until the transfer window closes. We will take the best decision for the team."
