Chelsea now want to sign £238,000-a-week star who Pochettino once called ‘a truly great player’

Chelsea are now keen to sign Marco Verratti from PSG – a player Mauricio Pochettino knows very well from his time in Paris.

It was Sky Sports who claimed that Chelsea are looking at the Italy international.

So, what has Mauricio Pochettino said about Chelsea target Marco Verratti in the past? Let’s take a look…

Well, the Argentine worked with the 30-year-old at the Parc des Princes.

Verratti made 50 appearances under Pochettino, scoring two goals while also providing seven assists as the pair won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and also the Trophée des Champions.

The 51-year-old did not stay at PSG for long, although the Italian certainly seems to have made a strong impression on him.

As quoted by RMC Sport, Pochettino said: “He is a player with a very good ability to read the game. He allows for us each time to have attacking possession and to bring the ball out into good situations, to better start off attacks. In attacking phases, he can double his efforts and provoke situations going forward.

“For me, he is a truly great player.”

Chelsea face Verratti competition

Chelsea are not the only side taking a look at Verratti.

Sky Sports add that Liverpool are also in contention to sign the PSG No.6 this summer, while Atlético Madrid are keen to buy him as well.

Kaveh Solhekol also mentioned that PSG could accept a bid worth £70m for Verratti.

Pochettino’s relationship with the Pescara-born playmaker could be a deciding factor in any transfer pursuit, although Chelsea must be wary of Liverpool, in our view at least

Jürgen Klopp looks set to lose both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia, meaning there will be money to spend on a new midfield reinforcement – the Reds can also offer Verratti European football next season.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Chelsea add the £238,000-a-week PSG maestro to their shortlist.