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“The door is open” – Pochettino fires Chelsea squad transfer warning ahead of summer deadline

Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door to any uncommitted Chelsea players ahead of the summer transfer deadline.
The 51-year-old has overseen an overhaul since his Chelsea appointment earlier this summer, which has seen many players depart and several arrive through the doors on long-term contracts.
Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia have been the latest to sign for Pochettino’s side after Chelsea opted to splash £173 million, including add-ons, to bolster their midfield.
Since the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership arrived last summer, they have spent almost £1 billion on transfers, with several high-profile names departing like Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic.
Chelsea’s new strategy has seen them tie players down to deals that go beyond 2028. It could backfire on the club if players want to leave Stamford Bridge later on down the line, however Pochettino has welcomed those who aren’t fully committed to the cause to leave.
As quoted by the Daily Mail, Pochettino told reporters: ‘Talented players, players that the club spends money on, they have to show every day that they deserve to play.

“My job is to be fair with everyone in the squad. Sign a player on an eight-year contract and if he is not involved, no commitment, he is not going to play.
“It is our judgement. And they need to trust in our judgement. That we are going to do the best.
“If you have an eight-year contract the player needs to be responsible and show respect, commitment and the quality that we expect from them. If not they are not going to play.
“The players cannot be upset. We will be upset against the player. Because if we sign a player and are giving an eight year contract and the player is not willing to do what we expect him to do and is not playing, it is because of him and not because of us. The club and us are upset.
“They need to give their best and show the talent we assume they have.”
He added: “Players that are not happy. If they don’t want to fight for their place and feel part of the team playing or not playing, the door is open.

“If the players have a clear idea that they need to compete for their place and it is the coaches who decide for every single game, it is easy.
“If you (the manager) don’t have the support (of the owners and sporting directors), you don’t feel the situation and it is clear how it is now. That is why for clubs that are very successful the support of the manager is key, if not it is difficult.”
Chelsea are still yet to agree deals for the departures of Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is wanted by Fulham, and Romelu Lukaku. Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher have been linked with summer departures.
Hakim Ziyech‘s move to Galatasaray is on the verge of completion, while confirmation of Lewis Hall‘s departure to Newcastle United on loan with an obligation to buy worth an initial £28 million plus £7 million in add-ons is imminent.