The 5 Chelsea Stars Pochettino Wants to Build the Team Around

• Mauricio Pochettino is in line to take charge at Chelsea at the end of the 2022/23 season
• The 51-year-old will be replacing Graham Potter, who was sacked after just seven months in charge
• Pochettino's imminent arrival comes at a time the Blues have been struggling for form and identity

Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly looking to build his Chelsea team around five players in preparation for next season.

The Argentine is in line to take charge at Stamford Bridge this summer as a permanent replacement for Graham Potter.

Potter was sacked at Chelsea after just seven months at the helm, with Frank Lampard returning as the caretaker boss for the remainder of the season.

The departure of the former Brighton boss saw the Blues embark on a search for a permanent successor to take over at the end of the season.

Why Barca duo reportedly rejected proposal for a salary reduction

Football

According to TalkSport, the West Londoners are inching closer to landing Pochettino, with the Argentine boss currently without a job after he was sacked at Paris Saint-Germain.

The publication claims Pochettino verbally accepted the job two weeks ago and is now in the final stages of reaching a full agreement over his contract.

5 players key to Pochettino

The Mirror reports that the former Tottenham manager is looking to build his Chelsea team around five players.

It is understood that N'Golo Kante tops the list of players expected to play an important role under Pochettino.

The Frenchman has played a less prominent role this season owing to a long-term injury that kept him on the sidelines for the better part of the campaign.

Chelsea fans make desperate plea to Boehly for new manager after Brentford loss

Football

While Kante's deal with Chelsea is set to expire soon, the latest development would see him extend his stay at the club.

Meanwhile, young defenders Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill are also said to be safe, along with full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

Pochettino's imminent arrival comes at a time Chelsea have been struggling for form and identity, with the club set to miss out on European football next season.

Chelsea want to make Felix deal permanent

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Chelsea are said to be keen to sign Joao Felix permanently once his loan deal with them expires at the end of the season.

Atletico are reportedly demanding a massive €100 million from anyone looking to land the services of the Portuguese ace.

Reports claim the Blues are exploring the option of allowing two of their players to join Atletico as part of the deal to sign Felix.