Mauricio Pochettino is set to have a huge job on his hands at Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea are set for a busy summer ahead as Mauricio Pochettino reshapes his squad after being appointed as the club’s new permanent head coach on Monday afternoon
Mauricio Pochettino has already begun his Chelsea rebuild ahead of starting his new role on July 1 – with three forwards set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues have been looking for a permanent manager since Graham Potter was dismissed in early April and appointed Frank Lampard as Interim boss until the end of the season. However, in that time, Todd Boehly has managed to convince Pochettino to make the move to west London.
Pochettino, 51, has signed a two-year contract with an option of a further 12 months, and has been tasked to turn the Blues’ fortunes around after a dreadful campaign. Chelsea finished 12th following a drab 1-1 draw against Newcastle on the final day and picked up just 44 points from their 38 matches.
But the Argentine has already been hard at work revitalising his squad. After spending almost £600million on new signings since Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich last May, there will be a number of players going out the exit door. Chelsea had the largest squad in the Premier League – and struggled to fit everyone in.
Joao Felix, who joined on loan from Atletico Madrid in January, is not part of Pochettino’s plans and will be returning to the Wanda Metropolitano upon the expiry of his deal. The Portugal international scored four times in 20 appearances for the Blues but will not be at Chelsea next season.
Joao Felix is not part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans ( Image: Getty Images)
On Tuesday, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo confirmed the attacker would be returning to Spain. He said: “The truth is that I can’t tell you the plan with Joao. It’s the news we had yesterday, that the new coach doesn’t have him for Chelsea. We don’t have anything planned yet, Joao is an Atletico player now.”
Meanwhile, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is set to end his disastrous stint at Chelsea with an expected move away. The Gabonese forward has struggled for form since being signed by Thomas Tuchel for £12m last August, netting one Premier League goal in 15 matches.
The 33-year-old has reportedly had offers from Saudi Arabia, and Chelsea are ready to cash-in on the ex-Arsenal frontman, although they are expected to make a loss. Barcelona, Atletico and AC Milan are amongst the other clubs linked with Aubameyang – a year following his departure from the Camp Nou.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has struggled since his move to Chelsea ( Image: Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic is another that is heading for the exit door. The American has started two league games since January and is expected to leave Chelsea this summer. He has one goal and one assist in 24 matches – and has struggled to replicate the form he showed in his first season at the Blues.
Juventus are leading the queue to sign the 24-year-old winger, with Manchester United, Newcastle, Napoli and AC Milan also linked with his signature, as per ESPN. Chelsea are prepared to sell him for as little as £20m, despite joining for £58m from Borussia Dortmund three years ago.
Soucre: mirror.co.uk
