Chelsea make huge January transfer decision to ease Mauricio Pochettino’s bloated squad worries

Chelsea already have one eye on the January transfer window and plans are underway to ensure Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t face the same issues experienced by former head coach Graham Potter.

Pochettino is dealing with a first-team squad of around 30 at Chelsea, currently reduced due to many injury absences, following a busy summer spend which saw the likes of Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer arrive on long-term deals.

Chelsea, who are currently placed 10th in the Premier League after a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United, are looking to bolster their squad in the winter transfer window, however the club’s hierarchy is wary of not repeating the same mistakes from last season.

During the 2022/23 season, Potter had to juggle a bloated squad which partly led to his downfall and, ultimately, departure from Stamford Bridge last season.

New recruits are wanted by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership in January, with Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph reporting that ‘two or three first-team signings’ are being planned to bolster Pochettino’s squad to boost their chances of securing European football for 2024-25.

But there is one major caveat. Chelsea are claimed to ‘want to offset any signings with at least the same number of departures, so that Pochettino’s squad does not grow out of control’.

It appears Chelsea are learning from their previous lessons, however is splashing more money the answer? Only time will tell, but it’s been an expensive start for Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and co in west London.

Who are Chelsea’s transfer targets and who could be sold?

Chelsea want to add a world-class striker to their attack of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja. Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney have both been linked, though it remains to be seen if concrete approaches will be made given their high asking prices and wage demands.

Defensive reinforcements could be eyed despite the array of centre-back options at Pochettino’s disposal.

Trevoh Chalobah, who is currently injured, is expected to be sold, while offers for Ian Maatsen, who was the subject of a rejected summer deadline day bid from Burnley, are set to be listened to, Matt Law reports.

Malang Sarr continues to be up for sale. Matt Law also reports that Broja and Noni Madueke ‘could consider their immediate futures’.

Pochettino has previously been suggested to want more influence in Chelsea’s transfer dealings. After their start to the season, the Argentine will be hoping his wishes will be granted.