Mauricio Pochettino is obsessed with signing Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde for Chelsea.

The Spanish newspaper Defensa Central reports it.

Federico Valverde, now 24, is one of the superstars of La Liga giants Real Madrid.

The Uruguayan international was a juggernaut for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last season, scoring 12 goals and dishing up seven assists in all competitions.

He is an extremely versatile individual who can play as both a central midfielder and right winger, but you are likely to see him in Madrid’s lineup in both cases. Defensa Central say Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has asked his owners to sign Valverde this summer.

However, will Todd Boehly and the rest of the Blues ownership grant his wish?
It is clear Pochettino is ‘obsessed’ with working with the 24-year-old at Stamford Bridge next season.

The report adds that Chelsea have not ruled out making an initial offer worth 100m euros (£86m) for the Real Madrid attacking midfielder.

Apparently they may also be willing to pay €120m (£103m). However, Spanish heavyweight club Madrid won’t consider selling such an important player.

Valverde has been described as “outstanding” by Joe Cole (BT Sport, via Daily Mail) and would be a sensational addition to Chelsea.
It doesn’t look like he’s leaving the Bernabeu anytime soon!

He can do a bit of everything in attack and defense, so it’s no surprise that Madrid are making him one of their main players. We expect to see him on the wing more often now that Jude Bellingham joins the midfield.

We’ve seen the owners of Chelsea have done a great job so far of downsizing the squad and giving Pochettino a much more appropriately sized squad, but it would be nice for him to sign a few of his own players. NOW.

More news……..

Mauricio Pochettino dismisses Premier League attack on Manchester City in first Chelsea interview

Mauricio Pochettino has spoken for the first time since being confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager ahead of the 2023-24 season

Mauricio Pochettino took aim at Manchester City in his first interview as Chelsea manager. The Argentinian signed a two-year contract – with an option for a third – with the club last month and officially began his new role on Saturday 1 July.

Chelsea hope Pochettino can lead the club back into the Champions League and constantly compete for trophies.

The Blues boss has already welcomed Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea finalize transfer matters this summer.

Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz set out for new challenges. More signings and departures are expected as Pochettino looks to freshen up the squad ahead of his crucial first season as manager.

City have set the standard in the Premier League over the past six years, winning five titles and dominating domestic competition. Pep Guardiola’s side scored a historic treble last season and eventually won the Champions League.

Chelsea finished 45 points behind City last Premier League season and Pochettino was tasked with closing the gap early on.

The Argentine is clearly delighted with his chance at Stamford Bridge and has already said everything fans have been dying to hear from his new manager.

In his first Cobham interview, Pochettino delivered a scathing dig at City with some big claims about Chelsea’s history and achievements over the past decade. The 51-year-old said:

“I think it’s important and it’s a winning culture. Chelsea have been the best team in England for 10, 12, 15 years.

“I know the Premier League very well and what the culture of Chelsea means. I think our fans are looking forward to getting back on track and trying to win.”

The Blues are clearly planning a quick return to the top of the Premier League.

Pochettino is pushing to bring in Moises Caicedo from Brighton following the arrivals of Jackson and Nkunku – and Chelsea are hoping the new signings can make a bigger impact than some of their previous signings in the past 12 months.