Five transfers Chelsea should make to get themselves back into Europe including Mbappe, Caicedo and Onana
CHELSEA are aiming to return to the big time next season after enduring their worst Premier League campaign since 1994 last time out.
New Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to hit the ground running with his big-spending new side, as they aim to return to Europe next term.
The West Londoners have spent a staggering £600million on players since Todd Boehly’s arrival last year, but they will likely need another busy summer in order to significantly improve next season.
Chelsea are set for a huge clear-out, with as many as 12 first team players reportedly on the chopping block.
These sales should allow Pochettino room to manoeuvre in the market, as he looks to put his own stamp on his new team.
The Argentine’s Tottenham sides were renowned for their aggressive, high-energy style of play – but whether Pochettino will want to line his Chelsea team up in a similar manner remains to be seen.
First team regulars N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz are among the dozen players that could leave Chelsea this summer.
While outcasts Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy are also expected to leave.
And homegrown starlets Conor Gallagher, Ian Maatsen, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Nathan Baxter may have to depart.
Amid another busy Stamford Bridge summer, SunSport examines Chelsea’s possible list of targets.
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KYLIAN MBAPPE
Obviously the Paris Saint-Germain striker would be a dream signing for Chelsea that would instantly catapult them back into title contention.
Mbappe, who worked with Pochettino in France, shocked PSG by sending them a former letter over the weekend informing them he has no intention of extending his contract beyond 2024.
With the French champions reluctant to lose him for free next year, The Times claim that Chelsea will “register their interest” – although Real Madrid remain favourites.
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MOISES CAICEDO
Brighton midfielder is expected to be allowed to leave the Seagulls this summer after a £70million move to Arsenal was blocked in January.
With the Gunners prioritising a move for Declan Rice, Chelsea could now swoop in to sign the highly-rated midfielder.
The addition of Caicedo, 21, would freshen up a Blues engine room that has gone stale in recent seasons.
ANDRE ONANA
Chelsea are keen to recruit a top goalkeeper this summer following the struggles of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy.
Onana, 27, wowed for Inter Milan in the Champions League, and reports in Italy claim he has agreed terms with the Blues.
An opening bid of £34m has been turned down by Inter, however, with Onana being contracted until 2027 putting the Serie A side in a strong bargaining position.
ROMEO LAVIA
Blues are reportedly eager to offer Romeo Lavia a Southampton escape route after the Saints were relegated to the Championship.
Despite his side’s poor campaign, Lavia managed to impress at the heart of their midfield.
Chelsea are claimed to view the 19-year-old as a potential long-term successor to Saudi-bound Kante.
GABRI VEIGA
Pochettino and Co are reportedly monitoring 21-year-old Celta Vigo ace Gabri Veiga.
The attacking midfielder shone for Celta last season, scoring 11 times and registering six assists.
Veiga could help Chelsea with their creativity issues, and is claimed to have a £34.4m release clause in his contract.