Mauricio Pochettino Trimming Chelsea’s Bloated First Team Squad
Chelsea are set to terminate the contract of club legend Cesar Azpilicueta ahead of his proposed move to Inter. The long-serving Spain international has one year remaining on his current contract but is reportedly likely to be deemed surplus to requirements by new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino. Azpilicueta, who has made just shy of 350 Premier League appearances for the club he joined back in 2012, featured prominently during Tuchel’s tenure at Stamford Bridge and captained his side to a memorable Champions League triumph two years ago.
Pochettino’s Rebuilding Project
Ideally, the former Tottenham and PSG boss wants to work with a group of around 24 senior players and significant work has already been undertaken to ensure that Pochettino does not encounter the same problems endured by his predecessor Graham Potter. The Saudi Pro League’s ambitious recruitment drive has provided Chelsea with what some rival clubs have termed an ‘FFP get out of jail card’ with the likes of Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech and Kalidou Koulibaly all on the verge of completing moves and joining N’Golo Kante whose departure was confirmed earlier this week.
Chelsea’s Recruitment Progress
Although the focus is centered on outgoings, Chelsea are making progress on the recruitment side of things, too. Nicolas Jackson is set to undergo a medical this weekend ahead of his move from Villarreal, while Christopher Nkunku’s much anticipated move from RB Leipzig was rubber-stamped on Tuesday. Chelsea missed out on the signing of Manuel Ugarte to PSG earlier this month but will renew their interest in Brighton’s Moises Caicedo as they search for an ideal midfield partner for Enzo Fernandez.
Conclusion
Mauricio Pochettino is wasting no time in trimming Chelsea’s bloated first team squad. With the Saudi Pro League’s ambitious recruitment drive providing the club with an ‘FFP get out of jail card’, Pochettino is making progress on both the outgoings and recruitment side of things. It remains to be seen who will be the next player to join or leave the club, but one thing is certain: Pochettino is determined to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.