Mauricio Pochettino's next two Chelsea jobs in the summer transfer window are very clear after sanctioning five exits. Following N'Golo Kante's departure on a free transfer to Al-Ittihad, Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy are all set to join him in Saudi Arabia, while Premier League moves for Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic are all but confirmed.
Arsenal are set to acquire Havertz's services in a £65million deal with the German expected to be Mikel Arteta's Granit Xhaka replacement. Kovacic meanwhile, is joining Manchester City and is likely considered as Ilkay Gundogan's replacement as he prepares to join Barcelona once his contract expires at the end of June.
The finishing touches being done on those outgoings are happening at the moment and now Chelsea can focus on their next set of priorities in the summer window. Although five exits for fees have been all but confirmed, which will see the Blues generate up to £130million, another marquee departure is next on the list.
Manchester United have sent two formal bids to sign Mason Mount and are currently preparing another, with Chelsea helping seal his exit as Pochettino's immediate priority. According to a new report from The Times, Man United are set to bid in excess of £55million and if that offer is rejected Erik ten Hag is prepared to walk away from the deal.
Bidding to sign Moises Caicedo is also high up on Pochettino's summer wish list and an £80million proposal will be sent soon. However, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are first focusing on sealing Mount's exit before any formal approach is sent to Brighton for the services of Caicedo.
Balancing the books needs to happen in the coming week for Chelsea to fit an FFP deadline which may explain why they are intent on Mount departing before bidding for Caicedo. But, delaying an official offer could be detrimental if Arsenal lose the Declan Rice battle to Manchester City or if no agreement can be found for Mount to join Man United.
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The Red Devils appear to have grown frustrated by Chelsea's continued high valuation of Mount and the Guardian have reported that ten Hag could switch his focus away from Mount and onto Caicedo.
That happening could potentially be a double blow to Chelsea as they could see their main summer target snatched away with Mount remaining at the club and running down his contract which would allow him to leave for free in the summer of 2024.
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