Arsenal legend Ian Wright has predicted that Mauricio Pochettino can solve Chelsea's problems with two key transfers. The Blues confirmed the appointment of Pochettino on Monday afternoon with the Argentine set to take over on July 1.
The former Tottenham boss inherits a bloated squad which seriously underperformed in the 2022/23 campaign under several managers. Chelsea finished the season on just 44 points - their lowest total since the club were relegated from the English top flight in the 1977/78 campaign.
football.london understands Pochettino is keen on signing a new goalkeeper, central midfielder and striker this summer. Todd Boehly will need to move on a significant amount of players ahead of next season as he aims to trim down the squad size and fund the new manager's transfer plans.
READ MORE: Chelsea make another major decision behind the scenes following Mauricio Pochettino appointment
Wright believes Chelsea should be prioritising the signing of a striker and goalkeeper ahead of next season - moves that the Gunners icon thinks will see the Blues return towards the top of the Premier League table. Speaking on Match of the Day, Wright said: "I don’t think Pochettino needs to do much this summer because of the calibre of coach he is and how good he is with young players and how he can organise a team.
"If you look at what Chelsea have got, probably sign a goalkeeper this summer, definitely a number nine – but when you look at what they’ve got in the squad, they’ve got enough pieces. He needs to cut the squad down a bit and bring in some quality.
"They’ve already got quality but bring in a bit more. Chelsea fans should be excited about Pochettino because he will sort this out."
Christopher Nkunku signed a pre-contract agreement last year that will see him join Chelsea ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, football.london understands. The Frenchman can operate at striker and picked up the Bundesliga Golden Boot award after scoring 16 goals this season - despite missing two months of the campaign through injury.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy are not deemed good enough to start as the Blues' No.1 with Inter Milan's Andre Onana being heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge. Brentford's David Raya and Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez are also among the players being considered to come in as Chelsea's new goalkeeper.
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