Chelsea are set for another busy summer transfer window as Todd Boehly aims to back Mauricio Pochettino ahead of his first season in charge. The Blues are expected to move on a number of current senior players with Pochettino targeting a new goalkeeper, central midfielder and striker, football.london understands.
The pursuit of a new No.9 is not thought to be a priority at present with Christopher Nkunku set to join Chelsea once the transfer window opens. The Frenchman signed a pre-contract agreement with the Blues last year and will complete a £52million move to Stamford Bridge, football.london understands.
N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher and Mateo Kovacic are all facing uncertain futures at Chelsea. If Pochettino is to lose more central midfielders than planned this summer, it could see the west Londoners look to reignite their interest in Brighton's Moises Caicedo.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino first Chelsea signing revealed and it's not Christopher Nkunku
The Ecuadorian midfielder has a real chance of leaving the Amex Stadium this summer with Roberto De Zerbi admitting both Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister can play at a higher level. However, Pochettino has instead given Chelsea the green light to pursue a deal for Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte.
The Uruguay international has a release clause in his current contract with the Portuguese outfit and is attracting interest from Premier League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain. The Blues will feel confident of landing Ugarte's signature this summer after reports stated that the Sporting star would favour a move to Stamford Bridge over PSG.
According to Record in Portugal, Chelsea are willing to offer £62million - plus £4million in add-ons - for Ugarte. The report adds that the Blues have discussed the idea of loaning young striker David Datro Fofana to Sporting as part of the proposal, in a bid to beat the French giants to a deal.
Chelsea are looking to move on a number of players this summer and if Sporting are not interested in Fofana, the west Londoners could offer a wealth of other players instead. Using unwanted players as part of a deal to bring in targets that Pochettino has identified could be a smart way Boehly can trim the squad and add more quality to the team.
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