€90m Mbappe replacement could SAVE Pochettino's Chelsea career

Cameron Smith

• 9 Apr 2024 18:45 BST
• 3 min read

Paris Saint-Germain are on the hunt for a Kylian Mbappe replacement, with the France superstar set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract at the Parc des Princes expires at the end of June.

Several names have been mentioned as possible successors to PSG’s all-time record goalscorer, and Luis Diaz appears to be the most likely candidate as things stand.

According to The Telegraph, Liverpool are at a crossroads with the Colombian winger and must decide whether to offer a contract extension or sell him this summer. The report states that PSG and Barcelona are interested in signing Diaz, although his €87 million (£70m) price tag is likely to rule out the Spanish side due to their financial issues.

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Diaz will have three years left on his contract at Anfield once the 2023-24 season draws to a close and the Reds will reportedly look to sell him if they decide against offering an extended deal.

If Liverpool end up selling the Colombian to PSG it could lead to Victor Osimhen arriving at Chelsea, something that would boost Mauricio Pochettino’s chances of a long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Chelsea's Osimhen alternative set to cost €100m

Luis Diaz to PSG set to help Mauricio Pochettino?

Osimhen is an alternative to Diaz as a possible replacement for Mbappe, despite the fact they play in different positions, and it’s extremely unlikely that the Napoli star will join PSG if Diaz ends up moving to the French capital.

As a result, it could give Chelsea a free run at the Nigeria international, with PSG currently one of their competitors for his signature.

The Blues are languishing in ninth place in the Premier League table and while Nicolas Jackson has shown promise during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, he isn’t the reliable goalscorer that is needed.

Osimhen would fix this particular problem and his potential arrival may help Pochettino keep his job in west London. With a prolific number nine at his disposal, results should improve, which could lead to lessened fan pressure and a more secure future at Chelsea.

As a result, in a strange way, Diaz joining PSG could help Pochettino remain in his current position as Chelsea’s head coach.