Mauricio Pochettino may have indirectly changed Chelsea's entire summer transfer plan with just one key decision. Prior to the opening of the window, signing a new striker, central midfielder and goalkeeper appeared as the obvious priorities but with the trading period now open for nearly a week that is no longer the plan at Stamford Bridge.
Following a mass spending spree totalling around £600million with 17 players signing contracts, sanctioning exits is of high importance this summer. The acquisition of numerous stars wanting immediate first-team football has significantly upset the balance of the squad which looks set to result in at least seven long-serving members leaving the club.
Throughout much of 2023, the futures of Ziyech and Mendy particularly were up for debate but also included in that bracket was Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, Pochettino appears to have made the decision that will remove him from that list and thus see Chelsea's plans this summer change considerably.
According to the Evening Standard, Pochettino believes, along with goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez, he can take Kepa to the next level. The Spaniard endured a mixed 2022/23 campaign with numerous clean sheets and top class saves somewhat overshadowed by mistakes and the same inconsistencies that have plagued him since his £71.6million move in 2018.
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The report also adds that the Argentine's willingness to deploy Kepa as the No1 has shifted Chelsea's transfer strategy. Andre Onana was the main target for Chelsea in between the sticks after his impressive displays for Inter this season. However, after bringing up the possibility of a transfer in meetings based around the future of Romelu Lukaku, the Blues deemed their price tag of around £50million to be too high.
Instead, Chelsea will look to sign an initial back-up option who will go on to compete with Kepa for the spot. Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili is said to be among the options while Gregor Kobel and Diogo Costa have also had previous interest from west London.
Any secondary option acquired will likely cost considerably less than Onana which in turn could free up funds to use further up the pitch. Chelsea are already closing in on the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Villareal after telling the Spanish club they will match his €35million (£29.8m) release clause through instalments.
Brighton's Moises Caicedo is another firm target for Chelsea and, with Brighton's valuation now closer to £100million as opposed to their January price tag which was at £80million, the money not used for a marquee goalkeeper signing could be available to use to match the Seagulls demands.
Signing another central midfielder alongside Caicedo is possible with Romeo Lavia from Southampton appearing as the best option. Arsenal are also showing interest in the Belgium international with the Saints hoping to receive between £40m-£50million for his services.
On top of Jackson, another front line addition cannot be ruled out either with Italian journalist Rudy Galetti reporting that Pochettino wants to work with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and the Blues are now discussing whether to make a move or not.
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