da bet7： Incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino wants experienced Premier League players to form the spine of his team, but who could he target?
da mrbet： Despite the fact he is still waiting in the wings as he prepares to be appointed Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino is already laying out his vision for the club behind closed doors. What is evident is that a clearout of the bloated squad will be a priority after the uninhibited splashing of the cash in the past two transfer windows, but the Argentine will be planning some more targeted spending, too.
The latest reports suggest he will not cast his net far, seeking players with Premier League experience as he looks to reshape the spine of his new-look Chelsea side, with a goalkeeper, a striker and a midfielder top of his shopping list. Of course, that will immediately bring certain names into sharp focus given Pochettino's strong links with another London club, but there are plenty of others who could fit the bill.
Below, GOAL assesses the potential Premier League options for Chelsea and Pochettino in the transfer window.
(C)Getty ImagesHarry Kane
There's no way Pochettino doesn't harbour some ambition of luring Harry Kane to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea desperately need a new striker and, aside from Man City goal machine Erling Haaland, Kane is the best in the business in the Premier League.
It'd be an audacious and hugely challenging transfer to pull off, but Chelsea's owners and transfer negotiators have already demonstrated that they possess the finances and ruthlessness to push deals through when they really want their man – no matter the cost.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesDavid Raya
Brentford's David Raya is widely expected to be on the move when the window opens having turned down recent contract offers from the Bees. The Spaniard has adapted seamlessly to life in the Premier League, developing into a complete goalkeeper – with his ability to play out from the back particularly impressive.
However, a £40m ($50m) price tag will raise eyebrows and Pochettino may feel the club would be better served turning to the European market for a truly world-class No.1, or a player with that potential. Despite his quality, at 27 Raya may have already hit his ceiling.
Getty ImagesRomeo Lavia
Pochettino wants a new No.6 and NXGN Nine inductee Romeo Lavia fits the bill in that sense. The 19-year-old has defied his tender years this season, looking like a seasoned professional at the heart of an otherwise struggling Southampton team.
Lavia's press resistance, ball-carrying ability and progressive passing – added to his physicality and tackling – make him the archetypal modern defensive midfielder, and he could be available at a cut price, with the Saints all but certain to suffer relegation.
(C)Getty ImagesIvan Toney
If Chelsea's hypothetical pursuit of Kane falls flat, then Ivan Toney could be the ideal alternative. He possesses all of the attributes of some of the great Chelsea strikers of the modern era, and he has proven that he has what it takes to succeed in the Premier League after two very good seasons in the top flight, during which he's shown clear improvement to hit the 20-goal mark.
The Blues have had some infamous failures with big-money striker signings in the past, but given he would come cheaper than the likes of Kane or Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Toney may be seen as a relatively low-risk option. However, an impending ban for betting offences could be a major stumbling block.