Pochettino to go after Arsenal target as Chelsea boss

Tom Weber

• Updated: 15 May 2023 21:35 BST
• 3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino is set to maintain Chelsea's interest in Declan Rice.

The Blues are due a significant shake-up this summer. The incoming Pochettino has a tall task trying to assess this bloated Chelsea squad and picking out the players he wants to keep heading into next season.

Due to amount of players the London side have at their disposal, they are also restricted in terms of incoming players. Following their €600 million spending spree this term, they need to be wary of Financial Fair Play regulations, operating with a one in, one out policy that will only see players arrive if an equal number departs.

READ: Pochettino needs 'MIRACLE' to keep Chelsea star amid Arsenal links

There will, however, also be some continuity. If reports are to be believed, the hire of Pochettino won't influence Chelsea's interest in West Ham star Rice, and this could once again set them on a collision course with Arsenal.

Stamford Bridge or the Emirates for Rice?

Many consider the Gunners to be favourites to land Rice, but Chelsea won't be deterred by this. On the contrary, the Blues will be prepared to battle it out for the English international's signature as these two London rivals have done previously over the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Leandro Trossard and Moises Caicedo.

West Ham boss David Moyes recently admitted that there is a good chance that his 24-year-old midfield star will be playing his football elsewhere next term. Could it be Stamford Bridge or the Emirates?

READ: Chelsea to MISS out on goalkeeper they NEED to target after Mendy howler

Arsenal may seem a more attractive option given their title challenge this term and the Champions League football they can look forward to, but Chelsea need a proper holding midfielder for Pochettino's system and even if N'Golo Kante signs a new deal, the 32-year-old Frenchman isn't getting any younger. Therefore, it wouldn't be shocking to see Chelsea muster whatever they can to go for Rice.