A major squad overhaul being completed in west London is likely one of Mauricio Pochettino's main Chelsea priorities this summer. The Argentine was confirmed as the Blues' new manager last month with his official start date set at July 1, although he has already begun working behind the scenes at his new club.
Pochettino was said to be heavily involved in discussions for Manuel Ugarte, even calling the player to convince him Chelsea was the best move. However, a major gap in wages offered by Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain saw the Blues pull out of the race.
Adding two midfielders to the ranks this summer appears a high priority for Chelsea with numerous stars in that position likely to depart. Mateo Kovacic is in talks with Manchester City, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek has held discussions with AC Milan over a summer move after football.london reported initial contact was made by the Serie A champions in April.
Mason Mount also has strong interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, while N'Golo Kante looks set to be the first of many to depart after completing his medical in London to sign for Al Ittihad. Many more on top of those are expected to depart this summer with three handed a clear transfer warning by Pochettino after just one full season in the senior team at Stamford Bridge.
According to ESPN, Edouard Mendy, Kai Havertz, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Conor Gallagher all face an uncertain future. Following failed contract extension talks, Mendy is likely to depart while Havertz has strong interest from Real Madrid. As for the remaining trio the sheer size of the planned rebuild is shown by the fact they may all leave after just one full season in the first-team picture.
For Koulibaly and Cucurella it has been a disappointing season after their respective summer moves from Napoli and Brighton, respectively. A total of £97million being spent on the defensive duo is a hefty investment and plans being mooted to sell either gives supporters a glimpse of the transfer plan in SW6.
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Gallagher's future is also up for debate especially after he was the recipient of a £40million bid from Everton in the January transfer window. According to journalist Simon Phillips on Si & Dan Talk Chelsea, Gallagher is yet to hear from the club or Pochettino regarding their plans for next season.
Regarding targets suggested as arrivals, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia look to be the main duo of interest to the Blues. Ugarte joining PSG opens the door for both to be acquired with Brighton demanding in excess of £80million for their midfield man and Southamptin holding out for between £40-£50million.
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