Chelsea’s transfer business is starting to heat up as they look set to complete a deal for Villareal striker Nicolas Jackson. Mauricio Pochettino is looking to assess his squad when pre-season begins with the Blues overseeing a fire sale that could see the likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and N’Golo Kante move on – but several additions will also arrive to Stamford Bridge. The Argentine boss has indicated that several positions need to be addressed, including a striker which has seen the club trigger Jackson’s release clause ahead of a £30million move. After that, Express Sport has looked at three players that Chelsea could sign to help Pochettino finalise his squad.
Moises Caicedo
Brighton star Moises Caicedo has been seen as the perfect partner for Enzo Fernandez in midfield for Pochettino. Chelsea were seen as frontrunners for his signature too, after Arsenal pulled out of the race due to financial concerns, but the Seagulls’ asking price of over £100m has ensured that negotiations between the two clubs have been slow.
The two clubs do have a positive relationship, however, as a result of numerous dealings over the past 12 months – and Chelsea do have several players that could move in the opposite direction to help bring down the price tag for Caicedo.
Pochettino would likely see Caicedo and Fernandez together as the base to build his team around and the Ecuadorian could be Chelsea’s marquee signing, despite reining back from previous windows after Todd Boehly and co’s £600m recent spend.
Gabri Veiga
Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga is seemingly wanted by a host of top clubs across the Premier League and Europe as he is tipped to be one of football’s next biggest stars. With a release clause of £34m, the Spanish midfielder may have his pick of destinations and Chelsea will be well aware of his situation.
Blues have been tipped to bid for the 21-year-old soon as he may help initially provide competition in midfield and even further forward depending on Pochettino’s preferred formation, though Liverpool are among the clubs expected to challenge Chelsea.
