Chelsea could field a very different attack next season as Mauricio Pochettino prepares to officially join as manager on July 1. The Argentine has signed a two-year contract - with the option of a further year.
Pochettino wants to sign a new striker, central midfielder and goalkeeper as he looks to add more quality to the spine of the team, football.london understands. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to leave the club, whilst Mateo Kovacic is in talks over a shock transfer to Premier League champions Manchester City.
football.london reported last year that RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Chelsea this summer. The Frenchman picked up the Bundesliga Golden Boot award after scoring 16 goals this season and has operated as a No.9 during his time in Germany.
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However, Pochettino is still targeting a more traditional striker to add to his attacking options despite Nkunku's imminent arrival at the club. The 25-year-old forward is set to cost the Blues a fee in the region of £52million.
The new Chelsea boss is reportedly keen on signing Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic with Italian journalist Rudy Galetti revealing that Pochettino sees the Serbian striker as the perfect man to lead the line under his stewardship. Juve are thought to value Vlahovic at £80million given he still he three years left on his contract.
Galetti told GIVEMESPORT: “The Blues could make a concrete move for the Serbian. Especially because the next manager, [Mauricio] Pochettino, considers Dusan the ideal striker for his tactical idea.
“The player likes the destination and reaching an agreement on personal terms wouldn’t be a problem. Let’s keep an eye also on Bayern Munich, who have Vlahovic at the top of their list along with Harry Kane.”
Pochettino has decided against bringing Joao Felix back to Stamford Bridge on loan next season with the Portuguese forward set to return to Atletico Madrid this summer. Kai Havertz endured a difficult season in front of goal in the 2022/23 campaign with some reports suggesting the German could be sold.
Raheem Sterling failed to replicate the form he showed during his time with City in his debut season with the Blues but is hoping for an improved season under Pochettino. football.london has taken a look at how Chelsea could lineup in attack next season if Pochettino's transfer demands are met by the club.
Chelsea attack under Mauricio Pochettino after £140m transfer spend: Raheem Sterling, Christopher Nkunku, Dusan Vlahovic
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