Mauricio Pochettino sets deadline to "define" triple Chelsea transfer decision

02 August 2023 , 06:34

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Mauricio Pochettino is still fine tuning his Chelsea squad (Image: Getty Images)

Mauricio Pochettino wants the futures of three young stars to be decided quickly as he looks to finalise his Chelsea squad.

The Argentine worked with an incredibly young group during the club's pre-season tour of America but is keen to iron out the state of his squad with the club paying the price last year as Graham Potter worked with a number that was far too large, which hampered their campaign.

Youngsters Andrey Santos, Cesare Casadei and new signing Lesley Ugochukwu are going to be the subject of a post-tour meeting in London with Pochettino discussing their next steps with co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

He said: “When we finish the tour, we are going to sit, we are already working with the sporting directors, with Paul and Laurence, sharing ideas and we can see how we define the squad. They have the possibility, maybe they go on loan. At the moment, nothing is closed.”

Chelsea have utilised the loan market well for their young players, often seeing them return as far better individuals - which either increases their sell-on value or enables them to push for first-team opportunities. Pochettino has an impressive track record at getting the best from young talent also.

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That must be mixed though with quality first-team ready performers, which is what the Blues have targeted and continue to pursue. The west Londoners are set to sign defender Axel Disasi for £38.6million from Monaco and remain in talks over Brighton duo Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez.

Already Pochettino has seen a host of major names leaves, some of which were forced on the club.

Mason Mount opted to join Manchester United with Mateo Kovacic following him to the blue side of the city. N'Golo Kante meanwhile headed for Saudi Arabia when his contract expired.

The new Chelsea boss maintains he's not annoyed by the club's urgency in the market but said: “We all understand that maybe during the last few weeks of the transfer window, things are going to happen. It is always better to have everything closed before. But not only for us, every other club too. It is important to close the squad in the way that we want.”

Pochettino has also opened the door to further signings, especially in the final third, despite two new No 9s arriving at Stamford Bridge this summer.

"Today I think we are happy with the performance and they can complement each other really well," he added. "Yes, of course, maybe we can add some different profile or different player who can help us, of course we are open."

Samuel Meade