Chelsea strengthen Man Utd and Pochettino’s issues grown in worst case summer

After the disappointment of last season, Chelsea simply cannot afford to have a poor summer transfer window. Mauricio Pochettino is keen to reduce the size of his squad markedly and add a sprinkling of world-class talent to his ranks so that he can push for silverware at Stamford Bridge – though he has several issues to contend with that could derail the window.

The Blues are far from short of funds and Pochettino is keen to learn from the mistakes made by his predecessor Graham Potter by cutting the deadwood from his squad. Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have all agreed deals to head to Saudi Arabia already this summer, with Mateo Kovacic joining Manchester City and Arsenal signing Kai Havertz.

With further sales expected, Pochettino now has a significant budget to go to war with. After their 12th-placed finish last season, Chelsea need to ensure that they get top-quality players through the door.

New signings are required in all departments, but if the Blues struggle to persuade targets to commit to the club’s vision then it could be another long and draining campaign at Stamford Bridge next season. Express Sport takes a look at the worst-case scenario for Chelsea this summer.

Strengthening Manchester United

Mason Mount has made it abundantly clear that he will not extend his stay at Chelsea, and it will be a major blow for Chelsea if he joins United for a reduced fee and thrives at Old Trafford. Manchester United have tabled a ‘third and final’ offer of £55million for the England international and are waiting to learn whether Chelsea will drop their £65m valuation and compromise, rather than lose the playmaker on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires.

Lukaku returns as the marquee No 9

Pochettino is desperate to acquire the services of a top-quality striker this summer, having already secured the signature of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal. The 22-year-old is viewed as capable of leading the line for the Blues in the long term but a proven forward is on the shopping list for Chelsea.

Chelsea could end up with Romelu Lukaku being their No 9 once again if the Blues do not allow the Belgian international to leave and cannot sign a replacement. The forward is desperate to return to Inter Milan, either permanently or on loan, though finances are a stumbling block in negotiations and it would be a significant failure if he is ultimately deemed an option for Pochettino next season.

Levi Colwill rejects new contract

Pochettino arrived with a vision of rebuilding a new core at Chelsea, which includes Levi Colwill. Thus, it would be a hammer blow if the England under-21 international decides to reject a new contract offer proposal at the club and pushes for an exit instead.

Koulibaly and Trevoh Chalobah are both set to leave the club to make space for Colwill but reports have speculated that he would like to return to Brighton following his successful loan spell at the Amex Stadium instead. If the 20-year-old pushes for a move, it would leave Chelsea in a very tough position and in desperate need of a left-sided defender to provide cover for Benoit Badiashile.