The latest Blues media watch from Stamford Bridge with reaction to stories on Mauricio Pochettino’s demands, Dusan Vlahovic, Moises Caicedo and Fede Valverde.
Chelsea’s squad is far from complete even as they are just over one week out from the Premier League opener against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Having put their efforts towards a much-needed clearout, Mauricio Pochettino is still in a position whereby his options are too many and not enough in quality.
The young group he took to America has performed largely above expectations and provided a refreshing sight for those that had to endure and watch Thomas Tuchel’s stalled and lethargic efforts with an ageing bunch 12 months ago. However, when it comes to Premier League-ready players there are still lots of exceptions.
Chelsea are searching for midfielders far and wide but have so far been unable to secure someone of their liking. The striker role, whilst partially solved by the impact of Nicolas Jackson, is not set in stone or totally certain and Christopher Nkunku’s injury scare exposes worries that go beneath the surface.
It is for this reason that Pochettino is reportedly set to voice his frustrations to the Chelsea board as they plan upcoming negotiations as a transfer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is discussed. Fabrizio Romano says that the review between the Blues board, decision-makers and Pochettino will allow the coach a chance to address the lack of action in needed areas of the squad.
Axel Disasi became the first established senior signing secured with Pochettino in charge, following Jackson – who has just one season of top-flight experience – and Nkunku – who agreed to join long before the Argentine was in the frame. He now wants extra bodies to be added in order to flesh out his squad..
However, Pochettino is also a big fan of Vlahovic, who is valued at around £60million ($76m), or £35million ($44m) and Romelu Lukaku if Juventus continue to be extra cheeky. The Serbian is an answer to a different question but nonetheless, an answer that is required. It seems unlikely that Pochettino will be venting too much the recruitment team’s way after £200million ($255m) worth of capital was raised from player sales this summer.
He has come into the most streamlined squad in years and is one of the more flexible managers out there when it comes to working within the parameters. Selling players was also a priority for the window and it’s happened just as expected, if not to a better and more efficient extent.
Everyone will have wanted Moises Caicedo to be across the line by this point, no doubt, but it feels wide of the mark to suggest Pochettino is losing his head at this stage over transfers that may yet happen. The season cannot be won or lost inside the next four weeks and patience will be key.
If it does continue to look like Caicedo is not going to be a realistic addition this window then a new target has cropped up. According to Spanish outlet Nacional, Fede Valverde has been made an offer to join Chelsea whilst Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with the Uruguayan.
It is said that a £104million ($132m) bid would tempt Real Madrid with the player no longer seen as untouchable by Carlo Ancelotti, especially not after the signing of Jude Bellingham. Eduardo Camavinga wishes to play more in midfield rather than left-back and Aurelien Tchouameni is seen as a player of real importance.
For Valverde, who was often shifted out to the right of midfield and also on the wing, it poses a question as he is given a decision over pursuing a career as a central player or potentially becoming just a piece as part of the Los Blancos jigsaw. Any money recouped on the 25-year-old could also be spent on Kylian Mbappe as Florentino Perez sets his agenda for a big late window play.
His tactical play is exceptional, providing a world-class press as well as positional excellence and pure energy from across the pitch as well. Despite being around forever, he’s also yet to hit his peak years as a footballer either. If Chelsea really are even in with a shout then they’d be stupid not to at least try, but it’s hard to believe.
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