The next few weeks will be fundamental to the future of Chelsea, of Mauricio Pochettino and, consequently, for the Blues’ transfer strategy.
The future of the Argentine coach remains at risk, but no decision will be made before the meeting that has been scheduled at the end of the season, according to CaughtOffside sources with knowledge of the current situation at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino, for his part, is convinced that he will remain on the Chelsea bench again next year and in the meeting with the board, on the one hand, he will admit his mistakes, but on the other, he will reiterate the difficulties he’s had in working with a squad decimated by so many injuries.
Poch to admit mistakes; has to be backed in the transfer market
On the transfer front, the priority for the Blues is to get rid of a number of players.
With Ziyech ready to remain at Galatasaray, there are ongoing contacts between Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund for Ian Maatsen.
After the Champions League final, the German club would like to finalise the transfer with the West Londoners.
Despite a £35m buyout clause, the final cost could be nearer to £27m plus bonuses.
The Saudi Arabian option remains an attractive one for Romelu Lukaku, and Chelsea want to sell him this summer at any cost.
With regards to incoming transfers, the first contacts have been made with Napoli for Victor Osimhen, who will leave the Italian club at the end of the season.
The Blues want to negotiate the terms of the release clause and it cannot be excluded that the English club will try to include players such as Casadei or David Datro Fofana in the negotiation to lower the price – even if Napoli are not open to negotiating the price and only ask for cash.
An agreement on personal terms is not that far away regarding Osimhen’s move to Stamford Bridge, and the parties will continue to talk in the coming weeks.