Chelsea transfer news: The Blues can take advantage of a circle of deals involving Conor Gallagher and Leon Goretzka as they look to add depth and quality to their midfield.
Chelsea could yet find the answer to their midfield shortage in the hands of former manager Thomas Tuchel.
It was the German that initially found issues with the midfield last summer when he decided against using Billy Gilmour and Carney Chukwuemeka in a damaging 2-1 defeat to Southampton, only to complain of a lack of options. Days later, Chelsea were kicked into action, selling Gilmour but bringing in Denis Zakaria on loan.
The Swiss player never got the chance to feature under Tuchel as he was sacked in the week following. He rarely featured for Graham Potter either, and Frank Lampard barely acknowledged him in selection too. Injury ended his loan spell in entirely forgettable circumstances.
During Tuchel's problems, Chelsea still had N'Golo Kante - though he was ruled out for four months - Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher as options. Gallagher is the only one of those players remaining at the club after a transfer purge of midfielders.
It has been a position in need of work for many a year; since Nemanja Matic left in 2017 there hasn't been a physical presence in front of the defence whilst loans for Saul Niguez and Zakaria are best left untouched. Now it is a case of ripping it up and starting afresh.
Although that is unlikely to be an issue for Pochettino, it would be a big benefit to have additions made sooner rather than later to best prepare for the 2023/24 campaign in adequate time. Now, with Tuchel once more looking to make hay in the midfield of his own side at Bayern Munich, Chelsea could swoop in.
The German champions are said to be open to the sale of 28-year-old Leon Goretzka. Tuchel has reportedly told the player that he can leave for an offer of around £40million as he looks to make sweeping changes to his squad. Goretzka himself is not showing intentions to push for a move, though.
It does open up a world of opportunities in the market outside of this deal alone. Chelsea are reportedly interested in him and have been admirers of his for years. With a hole in the squad for experienced internationals to join and a modest transfer price, there's a chance that it is looked at by Pochettino and his recruitment team.
What also could impact the Blues is a surprise interest from West Ham in the former Schalke man. The Irons have a readymade fund after the sale of Declan Rice and could set about spending some of the £105million on Goretzka in an attempt to strengthen their spine once more.
Keeping Gallagher and signing Goretzka looks unlikely but not impossible, it just relies on the incoming of another body. In true transfer fashion it is hard to predict and leaves Chelsea facing a crucial but uncertain few weeks ahead.
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