Mauricio Pochettino will have a number of big decisions to make when he officially starts at Chelsea next month. The Blues are in desperate need of a rebuild after one of their worst seasons in Premier League history.
The transfer window will open next week and the Blues are expected to be one of the busiest clubs in Europe. As well as making the required improvements to the current playing squad, the number of outgoings could very well reach double digits.
Mason Mount is arguably the most high-profile individual facing a potential exit with Manchester United already having a first bid rebuffed. Trevoh Chalobah, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Conor Gallagher, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz have also all been tipped to end their spells in SW6.
Anyone who has watched Chelsea in the last six months can easily admit that every position could do with reinforcements. The Blues scored fewer goals than relegated duo Leicester City and Leeds last season due to the lack of a prolific goalscorer, while N'Golo Kante's imminent move to Saudi Arabia will leave a gaping hole in midfield.
A new goalkeeper is one of the wishes on Pochettino's list this summer. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy both face uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge, leaving their position as number one next season in serious limbo.
Inter Milan's Andre Onana has emerged as the early favourite to become Pochettino's first-choice shot-stopper next season following his world-class performances in Serie A and the Champions League. It had been previously stated that the Blues have begun conversations with Inter for the 27-year-old, with a fee of £35million mooted.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Onana swap proposal, Havertz twist
Now, Chelsea could use one of their own players to tempt Inter into sanctioning the move for the goalkeeper in Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The 27-year-old is close to joining AC Milan, football.london understands, following a series of positive talks.
However, technical director Paolo Maldini's shock departure has left their transfer plans in limbo, leaving the door open for their fierce rivals to hijack their move. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are following the Cobham graduate with 'great interest' and have identified him as a replacement for Roberto Gagliardini.
The report suggests that Chelsea could offer Loftus-Cheek as part of the deal for Onana, which could see €20million (£17.1m) chipped off the €60million (£51.5m) demanded by Inter.
Chelsea will hold talks with the Italian giants after their Champions League final against Manchester City on Saturday. As well as Loftus-Cheek and Onana, Romelu Lukaku's situation will be on the agenda as he approaches the end of his loan spell at San Siro.
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