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.
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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.
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