There’s no denying that Chelsea’s transfer “strategy” lacked an actual strategy since the new owners have come in. Todd Boehly and Co have spent close nearly over $700m on new signings and the Blues still somehow managed to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
While CFC can still recover from the disastrous 2022/23 season, there is a glaring need for them to trim down their bloated squad. The outgoings have already begun and many of them have already agreed personal terms elsewhere.
The likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Kouliably, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Piere-Emerick Aubameyang have all agreed to personal terms with new clubs and these are just to name a few.
Some players in this Chelsea squad are untouchable and Mauricio Pochettino would want to mould them into his philosophy. Although, even then a couple of players are linked with a move elsewhere and the Argentine manager should make sure they stay put at the West London club. Pochettino has to make sure these two Chelsea players aren’t sold in this summer transfer window.
Two players Chelsea should not sell
Mason Mount
A player that was just undroppable from Chelsea starting 11 just a year ago. Now with just one year left on his CFC contract, rival clubs are circling for his signature. The Blues have already rejected a $45m bid for him from Manchester United, but they need to act quickly if they wish to keep him at the club.
Mason Mount was a regular feature under Frank Lampards first spell, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter. But with inconsistent performances creeping in on the field, he slowly lost his place in the starting lineup.
The English international was close in early 2023 to agreeing on a new deal with the Blues, but that saga protracted for too long. That resulted in clubs like Manchester United calling for the Chelsea academy player who are now contemplating what to do with him.
Mount can be a valuable player for Chelsea and especially under new Chelsea manager Pochettino and his staff who likes a high press and rate him in high regard. The attacker tirelessly covers a lot of ground on the field, something the Argentine coach can put good use to.
All this of course depends on what all parties involved want. But one thing is for sure, CFC and Poch should try everything in their power to try and convince Mount to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
Trevoh Chalobah
Okay, this one’s interesting because the player hasn’t exactly been linked to other clubs. Trevoh Chaloabah has recently flirted with the media that he could move onto pastures new if the opportunity arises and if the time is right.
The problem here for Chelsea and Pochettino is that, if Chalobah leaves Stamford Bridge, the club might seriously be short on quality centre-backs to compete with. Thiago Silva will play a sub-part role under the Argentine manager now given his age and recent injury concerns.
Koulibaly is set for a move to Saudi Pro League. Cesar Azpillicueta isn’t getting any younger either and cannot play a centre-back role in Poch’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system. That leaves the Blues with just Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana as the only senior centre-backs in the first-team.
This is why the presence of Trevoh Chalobah is so important in this CFC squad, And given the injury track record of both Badishile and Fofana, Chalobah will play more than a bit part role under Pochettino.
With very little competition for places in that position, Chelsea cannot risk letting another defender leave unless they plan on getting a replacement. And given the Premier League experience Chalobah has, he will be vital for the Stamford Bridge outfit in the festive run even though there is no European football to play this season.