Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to take on a more significant role in the team’s transfer strategy.
Pochettino assumed the managerial reins in July and has expressed his determination to bolster the squad during the January transfer window.
Under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Chelsea have invested an impressive £1 billion in player acquisitions.
This massive investment was accompanied by the establishment of a new recruitment team.
Chelsea’s recent transfer activities were overseen by the co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, with valuable input from Joe Shields, the co-director of recruitment and talent.
However, the focus primarily revolved around acquiring young talents.
Pochettino’s arrival brings a new perspective. The Argentine manager wants experienced players for the upcoming transfer window.
Chelsea’s top priority is securing a striker, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney emerging as potential targets. Toney is also drawing interest from Arsenal.
Speaking about the evolving dynamics within the club, Pochettino emphasised the positive rapport with the sporting directors and owners.
He stated (via the Guardian): “The good thing is the relationship and communication is very good with the sporting directors and owners.
“When the transfer window was closed, I said I need to be more involved now in all the decisions. I have started to work to identify what we need for January.”
Chelsea need offensive reinforcements. The injury woes of key players, such as Christopher Nkunku, who sustained a serious knee injury during pre-season, have hampered the team’s attacking prowess.
Pochettino acknowledged the importance of addressing the situation promptly, saying: “Football is very dynamic and it is about the present always. Things can change until January.
“We need to work to recover Nkunku and Armando Broja to try to provide the team with more goals and become solid. But, of course, we have already started to work (on transfers).”
Amidst mounting injury concerns, particularly Ben Chilwell’s hamstring injury, Pochettino expressed apprehension.
The severity of Chilwell’s injury remains uncertain, pending further medical assessment.
Pochettino added: “The doctor told me it’s not a good thing, it looks like a bad injury.
“We need to assess in the next few days, and we will see the period he will be absent. It doesn’t look good.”
