Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea transfer targets two key positions, with Jude Bellingham and Victor Osimhen linked

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to target two key positions following his appointment as Chelsea manager.

talkSPORT understand the former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain head coach will take over at Stamford Bridge next season after verbally agreeing to accept the role.

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Pochettino will be Chelsea’s fourth manager in a year, with new co-owner Todd Boehly already axing Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter before temporarily appointing Frank Lampard.

Club legend Lampard is expected to finish the season despite losing all four games on his return to the bench so far.

There is plenty to do in west London ahead of the 2023/24 season as a bloated squad needs trimming after its new owner spent a record £600m in a single campaign.

Despite the breathtaking investment, there are still clear gaps in the squad that Pochettino will try to fill.

Speaking about the areas of improvement, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano told Caught Offside: “It’s early on for targets to name names but Chelsea will certainly choose the new number 6, a new striker and the rest will be discussed over the next few weeks, including the Mason Mount situation.”

Chelsea have the fifth-least goals in the Premier League with 30 in 31 games, despite spending more than £200m on forward recruits under Boehly.

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Romelu Lukaku is set to return from his loan spell at Inter while Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been heavily linked.

At the number six or defensive midfield position, Chelsea have already broken the English transfer fee record to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for £107m but N’Golo Kante is expected to lose as his contract expires.

The Blues are expected to be in the running around Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, while West Ham’s Declan Rice remains linked.