Mauricio Pochettino has completed his first signing as Chelsea manager ahead of him officially starting his role on July 1. The Blues confirmed they have reached an agreement for Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez to join the club in 2025, when he turns 18.
Pochettino has already begun working with Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart as the Argentine looks to reshape Chelsea's squad with new signings. The 51-year-old had identified Manuel Ugarte as a target to bolster the midfield, but the Blues have now pulled out of the race to sign the Sporting CP star.
football.london reported last month that Pochettino is keen on adding a new central midfielder, striker and goalkeeper to his squad ahead of next season. Brighton's Moises Caicedo remains a key target for the Blues, but a move for Southampton's Romeo Lavia could prove to be a viable alternative after the failed pursuit of Ugarte.
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The west Londoners saw a bid of £50million for Lavia rejected last summer and are now prepared to reignite their interest in the 19-year-old in the coming weeks following the Saints' relegation. A report from the Express states that the Belgian is considered as an alternative to Ugarte and the club have stayed in regular contact with the player's representatives since their failed pursuit in 2022.
Joe Shields, who joined Chelsea last season as part of the backroom staff changes implemented by Todd Boehly, signed Lavia from Manchester City whilst he was at Southampton and he is a key driving force behind the Belgium international being admired at Stamford Bridge. Shields is said to have spoken with Lavia's camp to sound out his interest in a move throughout the campaign, with the Saints hopeful of receiving a fee in the region of £45million.
The report adds that Chelsea pursued Lavia again in January and the midfielder spoke with Graham Potter over the phone about a potential move. Boehly had verbally proposed a deal to Southampton that would have seen the midfielder signed and loaned back for the remainder of the campaign - but that offer was rejected.
Lavia is said to have also spoken with Chelsea icon Eden Hazard about his experience at Stamford Bridge prior to the World Cup. Hazard has actively encouraged his international team-mate to take the chance to join the Blues if the opportunity arrives - with Pochettino now searching for alternative targets after Paris Saint-Germain look set to complete the signing of Ugarte.
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