Chelsea: Pochettino transfer shortlist leaked

Tom Weber

• 16 May 2023 17:17 BST
• 3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino has identified Chelsea's goalkeeping department as a key area that needs strengthening.

The Blues have long since been in the market for a new shot-stopper. Kepa Arrizabalaga, unsurprisingly, never managed to live up to his world-record price tag, while his replacement Edouard Mendy has himself struggled at times, be it with form or fitness.

The latter has also given Chelsea repeated headaches over his contract situation, having refused to accept a proposal for a new deal earlier in the season. The Blues are keen to keep him around, but if he won't sign a new deal, they may look to cash in on him this summer while they still can - and after his howler against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, this could be a distinct possibility.

READ: How Pochettino’s Chelsea arrival influences Mount-Liverpool transfer

Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino is also said to not be convinced by the current goalkeepers at Chelsea's disposal, and Football Insider now claims to know exactly which players the Argentine is set to target when he takes over.

A three-man shortlist

The report states that the names on Pochettino's wishlist are David Raya, Emiliano Martinez and Andre Onana. None of them will come cheap, however. Brentford are already planning for life without Raya, but they are still holding out for a reported fee of €40 million, though this is clearly wishful thinking since he will be out of contract next summer.

Inter will be hoping to get a similar fee for Onana, while only a sum described by Football Insider as 'huge' will prise World Cup winner Martinez away from Villa Park.

READ: Chelsea linked with former Mudryk alternative

All three are certainly adept goalkeepers, but Onana may be the most realistic option as Inter's unsatisfactory financial situation could force them to sell, and his high price tag is actually justified, unlike Raya's. Plus, he has an age advantage over Martinez.