Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Jake Stokes

What Mauricio Pochettino Soccer Aid plan means for Chelsea future and summer transfer project

Chelsea supporters can be assured that Mauricio Pochettino's appointment as the new Soccer Aid World XI manager won't thwart his ability to launch a new project at Stamford Bridge. The 51-year-old has been heavily linked with filling the vacant head coach position in west London for a while now, and he's expected to sign a contract in the next few days.

football.london understands that Pochettino has agreed a deal to become the Blues' new manager at the end of the season. After weeks of negotiations, the former Tottenham boss is believed to be in London this week to sign a three-year deal.

Despite concerns that his role at Soccer Aid could impede his duties at Chelsea, Pochettino will have a full pre-season to get his feet under the table and begin planning for next term. This year's Soccer Aid will be played at Old Trafford on Sunday June 11, but The Sun have revealed that the Argentine won't officially start at Cobham training ground until July 1.

READ MORE: Christian Pulisic sends Chelsea three-word message amid $32m transfer claims

Therefore, Pochettino will have three weeks to prepare for Soccer Aid and then a further three weeks after the annual charity event before if launches his project at Chelsea – if he puts pen to paper, of course. So, Soccer Aid should have little to no impact on his preparations.

In the meantime, the west Londoners appear to be hard at work to ensure that Pochettino has the tools he needs. football.london understands that Chelsea are in the market for a new midfielder and a striker.

Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N'Golo Kante have all been heavily linked with departures, meanwhile Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have proven surplus to requirements. With a spending spree on the cards, the Blues have identified six options to beef up the centre of the park and a red-hot striker.

One of the midfielder which Chelsea hold an interest in is Romeo Lavia. football.london understands the west Londoners are big admirers of the Southampton youngster and they've extensively scouted him.

Lavia, who sees his contract at St Mary's expire in 2027, has featured 27 times for Ruben Selles' side this season, anchoring the Southampton midfield superbly despite relegation. As for the striker position, Victor Osimhen has been identified.

football.london understands that Chelsea are considering a move for the in-form Napoli striker. However, the Italian side are adamant that he will not leave this summer, whatever the price.

READ NEXT:

First Mauricio Pochettino transfer confirmed as Chelsea beat Man United to £17.6m wonderkid

Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen has told Mauricio Pochettino what he wants to hear

Mauricio Pochettino to block £26m Chelsea transfer decision as Todd Boehly summer plan scrapped

Man City chief launches attack on Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd amid transfer spending accusation

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates from Stamford Bridge

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.