Mauricio Pochettino has a lot of work to do when he arrives at Chelsea but for the moment it is difficult to tell the players he has to work with. The transfer window has only just opened and the Blues have to create a squad in a new image after having too many bodies for too long.
Just in midfield Chelsea already look like they will be transformed with the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount potentially no longer at Stamford Bridge for the opening day of the season. Enzo Fernandez will be hoping for some new teammates too.
Mauricio Pochettino will cast his eyes over the group in pre-season but groundwork is already taking place with key members from recent seasons potentially departing in the coming weeks. One such player is Kai Havertz.
Arsenal are interested in landing the German international who Chelsea value at £70million. Havertz has two years remaining on his deal and as such lies at a pivotal point of whether to extend his deal or to depart.
Havertz endured indifferent form for much of the season but netted nine times to be Chelsea's top goalscorer alongside Raheem Sterling and featured in more matches than any of his teammates. Regardless of how he is rated, his presence in the side will be missed should he leave.
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Each of Chelsea's managers have entrusted him to lead the forward line ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. While a number of Chelsea players can leave and not be replaced, Havertz's presence in the first team will need to be.
If the Blues are willing to sanction a move it perhaps signals confidence in signing a new striker or that Pochettino is keen to move forwards with a more traditional forward. Armando Broja, who is making his way back from injury and David Datro Fofana may be inspired to impress in the early weeks of pre-season with a role up for grabs. Otherwise they may be forced to add a figure such as Nicolas Jackson or Victor Osimhen, albeit at two very different price points.
Tying up more of Arsenal's finances will not go amiss with both clubs linked to signing Moises Caicedo too. Such a transfer could open up an easier path for the Blues to take advantage of, to fill a potential gap in midfield given the expected departures.
Should the move not go ahead, Chelsea will be left with a financial hole too, as a hefty fee from Arsenal could go a long way to adding a replacement or a figure such as Caicedo. Regardless of the outcome, action will be required from Chelsea to secure an improved squad for Pochettino.
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