Mauricio Pochettino sends transfer message to Chelsea hierarchy

Mauricio Pochettino has sent a clear transfer message to Chelsea’s hierarchy and wants the Blues to strengthen in several areas before the new season begins. The Blues head coach faced the media after Chelsea defeated west London rivals Fulham 2-0 on Sunday to lift the Premier League Summer Series trophy. Goals from Thiago Silva and Christopher Nkunku secured the victory – with the match played in the United States.

Pochettino was asked about the summer transfer window after the match and was quizzed about Axel Disasi – after news emerged that Chelsea had agreed a deal in principle worth €45m (£38m) to sign the Monaco defender.

‘You know more than me!’ Pochettino said. ‘With (Wesley) Fofana’s injury, I think it’s obvious that maybe we need to reinforce this area (defence). We need experience in midfield. My information is a player that is from France that they will sign (Lesley Ugochukwu) with the idea for some loan time. I don’t know (how many new signings I need) because if I say some numbers, after I can create a problem.’

Pochettino is open to bring in a new striker too despite impressive performances from Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in pre-season thus far.

‘Yes, of course, maybe we can add some different profile or different player who can help us, of course we are open. I am so happy with both and we have younger players like Mason (Burstow) and (Armando) Broja in the UK recovering from his procedure. We need to analyse now in the next weeks until the transfer window closes. We will take the best decision for the team.’

Meanwhile, Pochettino has provided an update on Trevoh Chalobah after the Chelsea defender went off with injury in the pre-season win over Fulham. Chalobah came on for the second half but was taken off again on the hour mark after picking up an injury, replaced by Alfie Gilchrist.

‘I hope it’s not a big issue,’ Pochettino added. ‘It’s a precaution. We need to assess him [in the] next few days. We don’t believe it is big, but [we] hope also.’

Chelsea’s season gets started on August 13 when they host Liverpool in their Premier League opener.

Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that he wants Chelsea to strengthen their squad before the start of the new season. The Blues have already agreed a deal in principle to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi and are looking to bring in experience in midfield and a new striker. Pochettino also provided an update on Trevoh Chalobah after the defender went off with injury in the pre-season win over Fulham, saying he hopes it’s not a big issue. Chelsea’s season gets started on August 13 when they host Liverpool in their Premier League opener.