Mauricio Pochettino wants to bring in plethora of new talent to enhance Chelsea’s spine

Chelsea’s new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, is targeting a new backbone for his team this summer, but accepts his hands are tied over the club’s bloated roster.

The Argentine is on course to become The Blues’ new permanent head coach, replacing current interim boss Frank Lampard at the end of the season.

It is clear that Pochettino has identified a new goalkeeper, a central midfielder and a No. 9 as the three positions he would ideally like to strengthen during the close season.

The former Tottenham boss would ideally like to add players with a Premier League pedigree.

However, Pochettino will join Chelsea on the understanding that the club’s first concern will be to sack some players to make the squad more manageable for their new boss.

Chelsea’s squad will have to be shortened to make way for new signings in the summer

There is also a will to reduce costs to ensure the club stays within Financial Fair Play rules.

Departed head coach Graham Potter experienced enormous difficulties in managing his overstretched squad due to strict rules regarding squad size in domestic and European football.

A number of players have been completely out in the cold on match days, which has disrupted the harmony.

The Chelsea team is so large that the club has had to expand the changing facilities at the club’s headquarters in Cobham.

Pochettino believes the Blues side has a lot of potential but is keen to add experience to his ranks to complement the wealth of young talent already at the club.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has been Chelsea’s number 1 for most of the season, thanks in part to Edouard Mendy’s injury problems.

However, doubts remain over Arrizabalaga’s long-term position as first-choice goalkeeper, while Mendy has yet to agree a new contract.

Pochettino wants to sign a new midfield partner to support the club’s record signing, Enzo Fernandez

Pochettino also wants a long-term partner in central midfield for signing Enzo Fernandez, with doubts over the futures of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.

The lack of a central striker has been a major problem for Chelsea this season. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s summer arrival has failed with the Gabon striker among the players the club is looking to sack this summer.

Romelu Lukaku returns from his loan spell at Inter Milan but it remains to be seen whether he has a future under Pochettino.

There is hope a deal for Pochettino is confirmed as the new Chelsea boss can be finalized by the end of the week, although Lampard – who secured his first win since returning to the club against Bournemouth on Saturday – is expected to take charge remain over the last four games of the season.