Chelsea FC finished 12th last season, their worst Premier League finish since 1996. Newly appointed manager Mauricio Pochettino faces several challenges, notably squad size. The club signed 14 players under Todd Boehly's ownership, spending £445.2 million in transfer fees, resulting in an unmanageable squad of 33. Interim manager Frank Lampard welcomed Pochettino with the statement, "I wish the new manager well. I don't know. It's his problem". A clear-out in the summer transfer window seems inevitable due to overflowing changing rooms, lack of locker space, and limited chairs in team meetings. Let's review players considered part of Boehly's plans and those deemed surplus.
In the goalkeeper position, Édouard Mendy's departure to the Saudi Pro League has been confirmed. Arrizabalaga and Slonina remain, but Chelsea is interested in signing Inter Milan's André Onana as the new first-choice goalkeeper.
Among defenders, Kalidou Koulibaly has jetted off to Saudi Pro Leagu, while Cucurella, Fofana, Badiashile, Colwill, Silva, Chilwell, Gusto, and Reece James are expected to stay, while Azpilicueta, Sarr, Ampadu, and Chalobah are strongly rumored to leave. Despite recent criticism of Cucurella's performances, his £55 million signing fee makes a profitable argument against selling him.
In midfield, Chelsea is interested in signing Caicedo from Brighton after three veterans secured transfers elsewhere.
Kovacic joined Manchester City, Kante moved to the Saudi Pro League's Al-Ittihad, and Loftus-Cheek signed with AC Milan. Hall, Fernandez, Chukwuemeka, Gallagher, and Mount remain, with Mount likely to leave the club this summer.
Regarding forwards, numerous players are up for sale. Lukaku, Aubameyang, Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech, Pulisic, and potentially Broja are expected to exit.
Kai Havertz move to Arsenal has been confirmed via both club for £65 million. This leaves Sterling, Mydryk, Madueke, Datro Fofana, Jackson, and Nkunku. Chelsea's clear-out has limited their options upfront, and they are keen on signing Napoli's Oshimen if other transfers are completed swiftly.
Chelsea's recent signings and poor form highlight the importance of teamwork over relying solely on expensive superstars. Pochettino faces the challenge of integrating a group of players who have yet to play together and whether Boehly will allow sufficient time for long-term progress remains to be seen. Stagnation could lead to Boehly's ruthlessness. It will be intriguing to observe if Pochettino values football logic, teamwork, and implementing systems over instant success, considering Boehly's generosity and decisiveness in the transfer market.
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