Pochettino 'eyeing £39m January transfer' to pave way for Chelsea star's exit

01 January 2024 , 10:02

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Girona striker Artem Dovbyk is attracting interest from Chelsea (Image: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is looking to strengthen his squad this month and Girona striker Artem Dovbyk is on their radar.

The Ukraine international has been in excellent form for Girona this season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 17 La Liga appearances. Dovbyk has played a crucial role in Girona's stunning success, with the club currently second in the league table and only behind Real Madrid on goal difference.

And according to a report from the Sun, Dovbyk is high on Chelsea's transfer wish list and has been watched by their scouts in recent weeks. Pochettino is said to have been impressed by Dovbyk's 'physical profile' and wants him to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson.

Jackson has been Chelsea's main striker this season following a £32million move from Villarreal over the summer, but with the 22-year-old set to miss several games due to his involvement with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Blues need reinforcements.

The report states that Dovbyk is valued at £39m by Girona and has the same agent as current Chelsea star Mykhaylo Mudryk, with the pair said to be close friends who 'talk to each other every day'.

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The potential arrival of Dovbyk could also spell the end of Armando Broja's time at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old has made just five Premier League starts this season and he has been linked with the likes of Inter Milan and West Ham.

And Pochettino is set to have an active role in Chelsea's transfer business this month. "It's obvious that the head coach, coach or manager is crazy to think he won't be involved in any decisions for the future in my area," he said.

"Of course we will share with the owners, the sporting director and I cannot conceive the idea of not being involved. It's not only my advice it is about how we are sharing with the owners and the sporting directors.

Armando Broja could leave Chelsea this month (Getty Images)

"There is very good communication, we talk every single day and we will take decisions because we are all agreed. For me, it is more about being consistent. That is the challenge. With the players that we have we can have a very good season but we need to improve.

"We were talking about the starting XI of Chelsea being the youngest ever against Crystal Palace and that is a thing that only with time we can turn in a good result with a very positive way to play. There is talent but that is not enough.

"It is also about mentality, experience together and with time we will arrive at the level where we can compete for big things. If we need to change something to improve of course we are more than open. We are very analytical and we always analyse ourselves to help the team is the best way possible."

Matthew Cooper