In just four days time, Chelsea will kick off their 2023/24 Premier League season with Mauricio Pochettino’s first competitive game in charge this weekend against Liverpool.
Despite focus shifting onto the upcoming campaign, the Blues remain locked in talks with a number of targets. Deivid Washington will become the latest young talent to seal a Stamford Bridge switch after a verbal agreement was sealed with Santos on Tuesday.
Talks for Moises Caicedo are continuing in the next few days with Chelsea being handed a double update by two Brighton chiefs as they prepare to submit another bid. Michael Olise is another target for those in west London, but a secret clause in his contract coming to light could deter their pursuit.
Kepa exit?
Thomas Tuchel looks set to help Mauricio Pochettino solve one of Chelsea’s biggest headaches by signing Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge for a while now, and Bayern Munich could finally take him off the Blues’ hands.
According to German publication Sport1, the Bavarians have made the signing of a new shot-stopper one of their top priorities this summer following the departure of Yann Sommer, while Manuel Neuer continues to nurse a broken leg which he suffered during a ski trip in December.
It’s said that Bayern were initially keen to rival Arsenal for the signing of David Raya, but the Gunners waltzed away from negotiations with Brentford victorious. Sport1 add that the German outfit are now back on the prowl for an alternative and they’ve begun ‘initial talks’ with Chelsea over a deal for Kepa, who joined the club for a record-breaking £72million in 2018.
Kepa replacements…
Chelsea have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been heavily linked with an exit from the Blues for a while now and, while he’s liked by Mauricio Pochettino, he looks set to make-way this summer.
According to the Evening Standard, the west Londoners have Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia and Gregor Kobel form Borussia Dortmund on their shortlist.
(Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Premier League predictions…
The new Premier League season is upon us – it does not take long to come around does it? Arsenal ran Manchester City close for the title last time out, but Pep Guardiola’s side ended up doing the treble in fine style.
Chelsea and Tottenham both had sub-par seasons, with both clubs having managerial changes during the campaign, ending with former players in charge of both. Now with new head coaches and new signings, they will be looking to improve substantially.
Everyone has an opinion, heading into the new season and who better to have an opinion than those people who are paid to watch week in and week out. We asked our football.london reporters to look into their crystal balls and predict the future.
Soucre: football.london
