Following the release of the 2023/24 Premier League fixture list, it has been revealed when Christopher Nkunku and Moises Caicedo could make their debuts for Chelsea. The duo have both been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge lately, and Mauricio Pochettino will be desperate to integrate them into his side before the new campaign kicks off.
Nkunku is said to have signed a pre-contract agreement to join the Blues, but some details need to be ironed out first before his move can be confirmed. football.london understands that Chelsea have been sending scouts to watch the 25-year-old forward over the last couple of years, and they've been thoroughly impressed.
It's believed that the west Londoners have already activated the £53million release clause in Nkunku's deal, which becomes active this summer. It's believed that the France international is keen on the move and he was impressed with how the Blues conducted negotiations.
As for Caicedo, football.london understands that Chelsea hold an interest in the Brighton midfielder, who almost joined Arsenal in the new year. It's said that the Blues could look to make a move for him, but they're aware he could cost a pretty penny.
However, if Todd Boehly can wrap up a deal for the Ecuadorian then Pochettino will be well armed to launch his project on the opening day of the Premier League season against Liverpool. If neither Nkunku nor Caicedo are signed by midday on August 12 – the day prior to the clash with Jurgen Klopp's side – they may have to wait until the following week when Chelsea lock horns with West Ham at the London Stadium on August 19.
Failing that, the Blues then face Luton Town and if they wait until deadline day to complete signings, a debut against Nottingham Forest on home turf could happen. Failing that, Pochettino could wait until afet the international break when Chelsea travel to face Bournemouth on September 16. With three out of the five opening games played at Stamford Bridge, there's a good chance that Nkunku and Caicedo make their debuts in front of the Blues faithful.
On the other side of the coin, the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1. So, if Chelsea are behind in their mission to trim down a bloated squad, a few players could very well play their final games in the first couple weeks of the campaign.
READ MORE: Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Kai Havertz to Arsenal, Kylian Mbappe contact, Pochettino fire sale
Mason Mount, in particular, has caused quite the stir recently. The Cobham graduate has been heavily linked with an exit from his boyhood club for a while now, but a disparity in valuations has delayed progress from being made.
If Manchester United and Chelsea continue to play hardball with one another then Mount could find himself in front of a hostile Stamford Bridge in August. And, that goes for the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz too, who have both been flirting with a Premier League switch lately...
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