How Chelsea could line-up with Mauricio Pochettino as manager next season

Chelsea are facing a major revamp this summer and Mauricio Pochettino could be the man to lead the project.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager is now the frontrunner to succeed Graham Potter, who was sacked earlier this month after just seven months in charge of The Blues.

Despite the remarkable £541 million spend since taking over from Todd Boehly last summer, Chelsea is likely to be one of the biggest lenders again. And Pochettino, if he takes over, could make some changes from the current setup.

The Argentine will have to make a decision on goalkeepers, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy both failing to impress between the sticks. One or the other will have to leave if he decides to go for a new player in the position, but it is the Spain international who seems to have the advantage.

As seen during his time at Tottenham, Pochettino likes to attack full-backs after having success with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose on both sides of the pitch.

Chelsea have spent a lot since taking over from Todd Boehly and are likely to be busy this summer

Chelsea will get a boost next season with the signing of highly rated Malo Gusto from Lyon, but Reece James is expected to be a vital player in the squad despite being hampered by injuries this season. The position at left-back looks easy, with Ben Chilwell as first choice and Marc Cucurella as his deputy.

Thiago Silva’s illustrious career will continue next season, having signed a new contract in February to remain in West London for a further year.

It would come as no surprise if the Brazilian is a regular starter next season. Despite being 39 years old, he was one of Chelsea’s more consistent players in a disappointing season.

RB Leipzig Josko Gvardiol will be in the interest of many top European clubs. Chelsea came close to signing the Croat last summer after talks with the German club and it seems likely they will make another attempt to sign the defender.

N’Golo Kante looks to have overcome his injury woes after appearing in both matches against Real Madrid and will play £107 million man Enzo Fernandez in a two-man midfield, similar to what Pochettino did with Victor Wanyama and Moussa Dembele at Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea came close to signing Josko Gvardiol last year and are likely to give it another shot

Despite being hampered by injuries, Reece James is likely to remain a key player

Kai Havertz has been a largely frustrating figure since moving from Bayer Leverkusen due to inconsistency, but has started regularly under Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and Potter. The Germany international is also the club’s top scorer this season with nine goals in all competitions.

Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku will join for £63 million, although no official announcement has been made. The Frenchman will fit straight into the team and occupy the number 10 role, a position held by Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli under Pochettino at Tottenham.

Mykhailo Mudryk has so far failed to live up to expectations since his move from Shakhtar Donetsk in January for £88 million. The Ukrainian has yet to score in 10 Premier League appearances and has just two assists to his name.

But if reports are to be believed, Pochettino gave a roadmap for Mudryk’s development during his meeting with Chelsea and it is believed that the club’s hierarchy was impressed.

The Blues have invested heavily in the winger and are likely to do everything they can to get their money’s worth after beating London rivals Arsenal to his name.

Chelsea have struggled to score goals this season, having scored just 30 times in the Premier League. To put it in context, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has 32 on his own. Only Southampton (27), Wolves (27), Nottingham Forest (26) and Everton (25) scored less.

To put it bluntly, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed.

It would come as no surprise if Kai Havertz were to be a regular starter under Pochettino

Pochettino could be the manager to get the best out of Mykhailo Mudryk after a bad start

Sportsmail understands that Chelsea are interested in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund

Romelu Lukaku returns from his loan spell at Inter Milan this summer, but a future at Chelsea seems unlikely. Sportsmail understands that Chelsea are interested in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund to solve some of their attacking problems.

Chelsea are said to have invited Atalanta chairman Antonio Percassi to their recent Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge and Hojlund’s availability was one of the talking points.

Atalanta want £60 million for the 20-year-old, who has scored five goals in his two appearances for Denmark and is set to become a huge star. United know him well, as do Arsenal who are title hunters.

Chelsea XI under Pochettino – as pictured below: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Reece James, Thiago Silva, Josko Gvardiol, Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante, Enzo Fernandez, Kai Havertz, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Rasmus Hojlund