There are four players Mauricio Pochettino must consider as Chelsea look to replace Mason Mount. The 24-year-old midfielder looks set to join Manchester United this summer, leaving the Blues thin on options in the middle of the park.
football.london understands that the two clubs have now reached an agreement worth around £60million for Mount, who has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils. It's believed that Erik ten Hag's side will pay the Blues £55m, plus a further £5m in add-ons, and the England international will now undergo the formalities of joining a new club.
If United manage to complete the transfer of Mount then the Cobham graduate could become the fourth midfielder to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. N'Golo Kante jetted off to Saudi Arabia following the expiration of his contract, while Mateo Kovacic has joined Manchester City.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek also looks set to leave west London, with a move to AC Milan all but confirmed. While Moises Caicedo has been mooted as a defensive midfield target, Chelsea will need to find a replacement for the aforementioned trio – especially Mount!
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at five players Pochettino should consider as replacements for the Englishman's throne.
Dominik Szoboszlai: Medium risk – High fee – High reward
Dominik Szoboszlai has been heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool over the last couple of weeks – but Chelsea should take a look at the Hungarian. The 22-year-old featured 31 times for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga last season, directly contributing towards 14 goals.
According to Sky Sports, the Merseyside-based club have met with Szoboszlai's entourage to discuss a potential move to Anfield this summer. The report states that he has a €70million (£60m) release clause in his contract with the German outfit, which will expire on June 30.
Sky Sports add that the meeting between Liverpool and his representatives went 'positively', so the Blues will have to act fast! While Chelsea would be getting their hands on a creative genius and set-piece master, they'd also be signing the captain of the Hungarian national team – a leader – which is sorely needed.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Mason Mount agreement, medical 'failed', James 'rejects' Arsenal
Gabri Veiga: Medium risk - Medium fee – Medium reward
Chelsea are expected to make an approach for Gabri Veiga once United tie the loose ends of a deal for Mason Mount, according to the Evening Standard. The 21-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League lately following a breakthrough season in the Spanish top-flight.
Veiga, who sees his contract at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos expire in 2026, featured 36 times for Celta Vigo in La Liga last season, directly contributing towards 15 goals. His impressive performances are said to have courted the interest of several top clubs, so the Blues will certainly face tough competition for his signature.
With a reported release clause of £34.6m, the Spain Under-21 international could be a shrewd acquisition. But, after just one prolific campaign at the highest level, there's an element of risk over a potential deal.
Arda Guler: Low risk – Low fee – High reward
Arda Guler, who has been tipped as the 'Turkish Lionel Messi', has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer – and Chelsea should consider a move for the playmaker too. At only 18, the midfielder has already played nearly 2,000 minutes of first-team football for Fenerbahce and featured several times for the men's national team.
While Guler tends to operate on the right-wing, he's just as capable as a No.10. He may not be as defensively polished as others, but the teenage sensation would be a fantastic signing, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that his release clause stands at just €17.5m (£15m).
For a reasonable fee, there's little risk. With Pochettino in the dugout too, Guler can be confident that he's looked after.
Cesare Casadei: Medium risk – No fee – High reward
Cesare Casadei, who joined Chelsea from Inter Milan last summer, almost led Italy to Under-20s World Cup glory earlier this summer and his impressive performances certainly caught the eye. Despite having lost to Uruguay in the final, he enjoyed a spectacular tournament winning both the player of the tournament and the golden boot.
The 20-year-old scored seven goals and recorded two assists in seven games – one of which came against England in a 2-1 win where he locked horns with the likes of Harvey Vale and Carney Chukwuemeka. While Casadei may need an arm around his shoulder and lacks first-team experience, the Italian could be a wildcard option for Pochettino.
Carney Chukwuemeka: Low risk – No fee – High reward
Another youngster which Chelsea have already got their hands on. After joining from Aston Villa last summer, Carney Chukwuemeka was starved of opportunities but, when he was called upon, he lifted fans from their seats.
At just 19, the midfielder has looked ready to compete for a place in the Blues starting lineup. But, like Casadei, there will be peaks and troughs which will need ironing out as he earns his stripes.
