This column was exclusively published at Si & Dan Talk Chelsea on Monday!
Mauricio Pochettino is officially in charge of Chelsea and the main aim now is to create chemistry and identity. A manageable squad size is obviously key to that.
Chelsea are delighted with the speed of many outgoings so far, and the fees of Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount certainly help on the books.
Eduoard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly’s fees are a bit smaller, but getting both off the wage bill was important.
Hakim Ziyech’s move to Al-Nassr has hit some problems. Ziyech’s medical in Madrid showed red flags with both his knee and hip. As a result, Al-Nassr made a new offer with a 40% wage reduction. That remains on the table, but Ziyech has not accepted it. Hopefully a solution is found otherwise it will be two consecutive windows in which a move away from Chelsea for Ziyech has fallen through.
Another possible outgoing is Christian Pulisic, who prefers a switch to Serie A. Milan and Chelsea are still apart on valuation. Chelsea are helped in negotiations by a €25m bid from Lyon, but Pulisic wants the Milan transfer. Juventus, who have considered Pulisic in the past, have not to date entered the race.
One outgoing Chelsea are determined not to let happen is Levi Colwill. It also wouldn’t at all surprise me if Colwill starts the first game of the season against Liverpool. Pochettino will likely handle Colwill very similar to how Mikel Arteta did William Saliba last summer at Arsenal. Colwill is expected to be given the opportunity to show what he can do immediately so he shouldn’t have to wait for Premier League game time if all goes to plan.
Colwill is currently preoccupied with the U-21 Euros, but when he returns he is going to be told a starting centre-back spot is within his grasp. And Chelsea hope he signs a new long-term deal. Chelsea have plenty of centre-back depth and Pochettino is certainly not against using two left-sided ones if he has to either.
There is also an intriguing decision to make up front. Nicolas Jackson has just come in from Villarreal, and is in red-hot form, having scored nine goals in his last eight LaLiga games. And Armando Broja remains highly-rated by the club, which is why he was offered and signed a new long-term deal last season. But don’t be surprised if Chelsea still add another traditional No.9. Dusan Vlahovic remains one to watch, as first revealed last year. Chelsea and Manchester United have both explored that deal, which could be possible for €70m.
Chelsea will also continue their midfield revamp over the coming weeks. Moises Caciedo remains a high priority and the player is keen on the move. As previously revealed, sources indicate £70+10m might be possible rather than £100m+. Chelsea have already had bids for £55m (January) and £60m (summer) rejected. Brighton will be hoping another suitor enters the race to try and drive up the price.
I certainly wouldn’t paint signing Caicedo as routine for Chelsea. Brighton are never easy to negotiate with, but there is an acceptance he will be sold this summer.
Arsenal are focused for now on competing deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, then we’ll see if both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey leave. Manchester United haven’t made a move to date on Caicedo despite reports in the days that followed their third rejected bid for Mason Mount.
Speaking of Mount, as I type this he is undergoing his Manchester United medical. It’s a real shame to see him leave Chelsea, but I think the £55+5m deal suited all parties. Mount has been a fantastic player for Chelsea and personally, and as a non-Chelsea fan I can say this, I hope he recaptures his 2021/22 form where he scored 11 Premier League goals.
With Mount going Chelsea may add another attacking midfielder. Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga could be one to watch.
It’s very much a new era at Chelsea, and the pieces are starting to fall in place. The departures of Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, Kovacic, Koulibaly and, in January, Jorginho, mean both experienced players and leaders are gone.
The average age of the squad is young and the potential is clear. So it’s now up to Pochettino to shape his new team. I also think starting the season with a home game againgst Liverpool is a great fixture to kick-off the new season. It’s obviously tricky, but if Chelsea can start by beating quality opposition it will really lift the mood.
One of Graham Potter’s issues was he failed to get results against the big six. And even when Chelsea had little or nothing to play for under Frank Lampard, they again didn’t beat any of the Premier League’s so-called ‘bigger’ teams. If Pochettino can win his first game against Liverpool it just might set the tone for the entire season.
Ben Jacobs
