Could Chelsea make late push for star Manchester United midfielder?

Is there a possibility that Paul Pogba comes to Chelsea? Well, it’s one transfer that fans have to wait and see how it plays out. Although the soon-to-be former Manchester United midfielder has seemingly narrowed down his list of clubs already—with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain leading the way thus far—it seems the Blues could also be one of his options. These whispers come ahead of a huge transfer window for Thomas Tuchel, who is looking to rebuild his squad.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes that Chelsea is an “obvious match” for the free agent midfielder in this coming transfer window. The Frenchman joined the Red Devils for a then world-record transfer fee back in 2016, but he is now set to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract. Manchester City was said to have sent in a stunning offer for the 29-year-old , but he was afraid of angering the Man United fans by making a switch to the other side of the city. Thus, the race is still on and the Blues should be involved.

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Chelsea should sign soon-to-be former Man United midfielder Paul Pogba

Tuchel recently discussed the need for a rebuild of the squad this summer in a recent press conference. He used this term as the anticipated mass exodus—which has already kicked off with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger leaving the club—beginning soon. Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are now entering into the final year of their respective contracts with Chelsea, so one particular area that cries out for change could be the midfield.

However, in spite of that, Tuchel has claimed that Kante is still a key figure. In the same discussion, he may have hinted at a contract extension with the club:

"“I think he (Kante) is our key player but key, key players have to be on the pitch, and he only plays 40% of games. He is our Mo Salah, Van Dijk. He is our Kylian Mbappe.”"

In light of a near-complete midfield shake-up this summer and the claim from Tuchel that Kante is still an important figure, it is possible that Pogba could fancy a chance to join the German’s squad. After all, he and Kante form a great pairing in the middle of the park when on international duty together. There is a wide margin between Pogba’s abilities when wearing a France shirt and when wearing a Red Devils kit, as well. Kante’s hard work allows Pogba to step it up a notch and perform otherworldly due to his less restrictive role. The pairing has—of course—played together many times for Didier Deschamps’ French National Team. Nearly every time, Kante’s ability to cover ground and put in challenges gives Pogba the freedom to express himself and be creative.

The only argument against signing Pogba is the fact that the Blues still have capable players in their ranks, such as a world class midfielder like Mateo Kovacic. Chelsea has Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour, who are the two of one of the best midfield prospects in the world, waiting in the wings too. They certainly have a future place in the Blues’ starting XI, as well. They are likely to return from their loan spells and become integral parts of the first team next season with Tuchel, at least the former is as things stand.

In conclusion, Pogba would no doubt be a brilliant signing if his abilities could be properly unlocked, but there is too great a risk in that potential deal. His signing is one Chelsea must steer clear of—even on a free transfer. Whether or not the deal is likely to happen remains unknown, thus, supporters can only speculate ahead of the summer transfer window.

Do you think Pogba would be a smart addition for Chelsea? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!