Joe Cole has listed two England stars as the 'dream' signings for Chelsea to make as Mauricio Pochettino is handed a key duo as the answer to his incumbent problems at Stamford Bridge. The Argentine is still expected to become the new boss at SW6 but has a monumental challenge on his hands.
Alongside a disconnected, bloated and unsettled squad that he will have to trim and oversee major change with, there is also the task of making the right additions for the right money. The Blues are in desperate need of attention in key areas including the midfield and un-front despite already spending over £600m on new players.
It is a damning summary of the owners' first year in charge that these problems exist with the unprecedented and unsustainable level of investment in the squad. It isn't unsolvable though and Cole has pinpointed the two places to start.
READ MORE: Will Chelsea sign Cristiano Ronaldo? Todd Boehly can hand Mauricio Pochettino his own Harry Kane
"Harry Kane and Declan Rice are my dream signings for Chelsea," he said. "Kane gets you goals and brings leadership. Rice gives us solidity in midfield and I think Enzo and Declan would benefit from each other."
Both players have been heavily linked with the club in recent years with Rice widely expected to be amongst the club's main targets heading into this summer. That may well have changed given the drop-off throughout this campaign and the possibility that best friend Mason Mount leaves himself.
Rice, a boyhood Chelsea fan, is now the priority for London rivals Arsenal as well as a host of other top European sides including Liverpool. Even with the prospect of entering his final year West Ham are expected to demand over £70m for his services.
It is a price that may well price Chelsea out of things initially if they aren't able to move on enough of their underperforming and overpaid players first. Rice's attraction to playing in Europe has also dented the chances of Chelsea pulling this move off.
Cole's other dream signing, Kane, is another player that will not only demand a high fee but also would have to overcome crossing London in order to make a deal possible. Not only that but convincing chairman Daniel Levy to split with his star asset is one of the toughest things to achieve.
Pochettino already has previous with Kane having offered him his big breakthrough at Spurs and getting the best out of the England captain. Given his position as the Chelsea manager in waiting it only serves as to reignite transfer interest between the two parties.
As unlikely as both may seem at this point, Chelsea are expected to at least explore the prospect of bringing both players to SW6, something that will impress Cole, but pulling them off is another thing entirely.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea owners Clearlake Capital release statement over six deals
NFL star JJ Watt answers Ryan Reynolds Wrexham question in huge Premier League announcement
Chelsea pre-season tour 2023 tickets and schedule as Wrexham and Newcastle games confirmed
Christian Pulisic faces Chelsea transfer deadline with Mauricio Pochettino decision looming
Why Chelsea & USMNT star Christian Pulisic isn't playing against Arsenal in Pochettino blow
