Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes that Chelsea are the “obvious choice” for midfielder Paul Pogba this summer. The Frenchman joined the Red Devils for a then world-record transfer fee but is leaving Old Trafford on a free at the end of his deal this summer.
A number of clubs have been touted with a move for the World Cup winner, who is now free to explore his options officially as Erik ten Hag and Man United have conceded defeat in trying to tie down their number 6 to a new and improved contract. A club statement read: 'The club can announce that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United at the end of June, upon the expiry of his contract.
'Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United.
'We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey.'
It is understood that the Blues are one of those said clubs who could move for the 29-year-old who reportedly favours a move abroad at this stage of his career. It comes ahead of a huge transfer window for Thomas Tuchel, who is looking to rebuild his squad.
That was something he admitted to in a recent press conference, with a number of players set to leave the club. He said: “We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging but we are up for the challenge.”
READ MORE: Paul Pogba decision can help Thomas Tuchel complete £13m swoop as Chelsea lead transfer race
One particular area for change could be the midfield, with Jorginho and N’Golo Kante now entering the final year of their contracts. However, in spite of that, Tuchel has claimed that the latter is a key figure and may have hinted at a contract extension.
“I think he [Kante] is our key, key player but key, key players have to be on the pitch and he only plays 40% of games,” Tuchel said. “He is our Mo Salah, [Virgil] van Dijk. He is our Kylian Mbappe.”
And, in light of a midfield change and the claim from Tuchel on Kante, former striker Saha believes the club should make a move for Pogba on a free transfer. Speaking to LordPing, he said: “Chelsea is the obvious match for Pogba because he loves to play with N’Golo Kante.
“We always try to compare what he does with France and United and the ability of Kante makes Pogba play to another dimension and that’s the truth. Only Pogba can indicate where he wants to go, I’m just sad he hasn’t fulfilled his dream.”
The pairing have, of course, played together many times for the French national team, with Kante’s ability to cover ground and put in challenges giving Pogba the freedom to express himself and be creative. Whether the move to Stamford Bridge could go through remains to be seen, although Pogba could add that 'x factor' that the Blues need going forward.
