MAURICO POCHETTINO isn’t wasting any time getting down to business at Chelsea – opening talks with TWO potential summer signings.
The Argentine was officially confirmed as Graham Potter‘s permanent successor last month and has already drawn up a list of players he wants to bring to Stamford Bridge.
REUTERSMauricio Pochettino was appointed Chelsea manager last month[/caption]
The Argentine has reportedly opened talks with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike MaignanRex
GETTYPoch is also said to have enquired about the availability of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia[/caption]
And according to reports, the former Spurs boss is already in the process of trying to entice two players to West London.
L’Equipe claim the Blues have reached out to Italian giants AC Milan about the availability of goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Pochettino is said to be unsatisfied with current Chelsea keepers Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga and has identified Maignan as a new potential No.1.
Milan, however, are said to have no intention of parting company with the France international.
And it’s claimed the Rossoneiri will only consider selling the 27-year-old if they receive a mammoth offer for his services.
Pochettino is also said to have reached out to his former club Southampton about signing midfielder Romeo Lavia.
That’s according to Football London, who claim the 51-year-old has identified the Belgium international as a replacement for N’Golo Kante.
It’s claimed the Blues “extensively” kept tabs on the 19-year-old last season and were impressed by his maiden season at St Mary’s.
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Chelsea will likely look to secure Lavia’s services for a cut-price fee following Saints’ relegation to the Premier League last month.
Southampton, however, are said to want a whopping £50million for the teenager.
Pochettino will likely to be given a huge war chest this summer to overhaul his squad and improve on their woeful 12th-placed finish last season.
Blues co-owner Todd Boehly has spared no expense since taking the club off Roman Abramovich‘s hands last year.
And the American is confident Pochettino is the man to turn this club’s fortunes around.
In a joint statement with fellow owners Behdad Eghbali, Jose E. Feliciano, Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss, he said: “The sporting team conducted a diligent and thoughtful process that the Board is proud of.
PATodd Boehly is likely to give Mauricio Pochettino a huge summer war chest[/caption]
“We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea.
“Mauricio is a world-class coach with an outstanding track record.
“We are all looking forward to having him on board.”
Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward.
“He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages.
“His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate.”