The TWO 'experienced players' Chelsea must sign following Pochettino's request

Cameron Smith

15 Apr 2024 14:45 BST
3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea, question mark — © IMAGO

Mauricio Pochettino has stated that Chelsea “need to bring in some experienced players” this summer as he begins planning the Blues’ transfer activity.

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The first summer departure from Stamford Bridge has already been confirmed, with Lewis Hall’s loan move to Newcastle United now permanent, according to Fabrizio Romano, while fellow academy graduates Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah also face uncertain futures at Chelsea.

Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku are among the current loanees who are likely to depart permanently along with Hall.

Ahead of the Blues’ Premier League clash against Everton, Pochettino admitted (as per The Mirror): “We need to bring more young players, we need to bring in some experienced players. But that is all about talking.

“It's about agreeing with the club, analysing and designing the strategy for the next season and to go and fight for big things. That is really important.”

With Pochettino hoping to add experience at Stamford Bridge, there are two players perfect for Chelsea to sign this summer.

Ivan Toney (Brentford)

At 28 years old, Ivan Toney would become the second oldest outfield player in Chelsea’s first-team squad, if Thiago Silva leaves, and he could ease the pressure on Nicolas Jackson.

Victor Osimhen is currently the Blues’ priority striker target, but Napoli’s asking price could be a problem amid FFP concerns.

If that is the case, pursuing Toney may be a sensible idea and the Englishman would bring significant experience with him.

He has made over 400 senior appearances, and while a significant proportion of these came in the Championship and League One, Toney is also a proven Premier League performer.

Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)

Adrien Rabiot recently hinted that he could leave Juventus this summer, with his contract due to expire at the end of June, and while Man Utd is currently his most likely Premier League destination, Chelsea could be an alternative option.

The France international would bring significant European experience and would be able to ease the workload on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez amid Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu’s injury problems.

On a free transfer, this could be a smart move, although he has previously had off-field disciplinary issues.

Read more about: Premier League, Chelsea, Adrien Rabiot, Ivan Toney