Chelsea boss Pochettino shuts down Moises Caicedo switch query after bid

Mauricio Pochettino refused to speak about Chelsea‘s pursuit of Moises Caicedo in a press convention forward of his first pre-season pleasant in opposition to Wrexham. Pochettino was on Tuesday requested about Caicedo and likewise quizzed on Mykhaylo Mudryk and Levi Colwill, each of whom he confirmed he has held non-public talks with. He additionally spoke about Wesley Fofana’s crushing damage setback, the news of which got here out simply hours earlier.

The new Chelsea boss will take cost of his first match with a pleasant within the United States in opposition to League Two Wrexham – famously owned by Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – on Wednesday. But forward of the exhibition outing, the Blues have been very busy behind the scenes, notably with their switch enterprise.

They have been trimming down a bloated squad whereas additionally wanting nonetheless to make new signings in some areas. Pochettino desires to snap up Moises Caicedo from Brighton and the Londoners have had two bids rejected for the Ecuadorian. The newest was value round £70million with the Seagulls wanting nearer to £100m for him after Declan Rice’s transfer to Arsenal.

Enzo Fernandez’s £107m transfer to Stamford Bridge in January is one other benchmark for Brighton who consider Caicedo, 21, can turn out to be one of many highest midfielders on the planet. Pochettino clearly thinks so too given his curiosity however he wouldn’t talk about the participant in entrance of the media.

Asked about Caicedo, the Argentine stated: “All the team are working hard to get who we want. I don’t want to talk about specific names. It’s not respectful. Like us, many clubs are working to sign a player to improve their team.”

While on Chelsea’s switch plans total, he continued: “We are working really hard to finish the squad. I think the players are showing commitment and working so well. We are so happy with the way they are working. We need to work during this pre-season to be a really strong squad and then to evolve in the way we want to play and to apply the concept we expect from then.”

Chelsea have spent enormous quantities below proprietor Todd Boehly – over £550m – in a bit over a yr with £88.5m of that occurring Mudryk. The Ukraine winger joined in January however struggled to make an impression in his first six months. The 22-year-old, who had additionally been a serious goal for Arsenal, is predicted to be given an opportunity to shine below Pochettino.

He stated: “I’ve spoken with all of the players a lot. I find a really good kid, still really young with amazing potential. The most important thing is to earn the trust. They need to know us and the way that we act. We had many chats and I am so happy about that.”

Centre-back Levi Colwill is predicted to affix the Chelsea within the USA for pre-season after profitable the U21 Euros with England. The defender is closely linked with Liverpool and Brighton, the place he spent final season on mortgage, however Pochettino is eager to maintain the highly-rated 20-year-old and desires him to signal a brand new long-term contract.

The Blues boss continued: “With Levi also, we had a nice chat, this is private but I think it’s important, they need to know us. They need to know us, know what we think and need to know if they have the possibility to be in the starting XI. We are happy with all and tomorrow we start the competition and to compete and that is the reality of the two and they need to speak on the pitch.”

Chelsea’s hopes of convincing Colwill to remain have been made simpler by a merciless damage blow for fellow centre-half Fofana, who has had surgical procedure to reconstruct his anterior cruciate ligament and will miss a sizeable chunk of the upcoming 2023-24 marketing campaign.

Pochettino reacted: “Really sad, really bad news. We feel so sad. We can only help him and to be again with the team we know it is tough. We need to help him and wish him all the best. We need to keep going, the competition is there. The comeptition doesn’t wait for anyone and we need to be ready.”