Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Mauricio Pochettino wants Wilfried Zaha; Mason Mount backed for Anfield move, and more - May 8, 2023
Chelsea secured their first win since the beginning of March on Saturday (May 6) against Bournemouth. Frank Lampard will look to build on that against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino wants the Blues to sign Wilfried Zaha. Elsewhere, midfielder Mason Mount has been backed to join Liverpool this summer. On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on May 8, 2023:
Mauricio Pochettino wants Wilfried Zaha at Chelsea
Reported incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino wants Chelsea to sign Wilfried Zaha this summer, according to Fichajes via The Hard Tackle.
The Ivorian forward's contract with Crystal Palace runs out at the end of this season, but he hasn't agreed an extension yet. The Blues have struggled in front of goal this campaign, so reinforcements in attack are expected in the summer.
Pochettino is close to taking charge of the London giants, who have appointed Frank Lampard in a caretaker role following the departure of Graham Potter. The Argentinean manager has a job on his hands at Stamford Bridge and reportedly wants Zaha to be part of his setup.
The Ivorian has consistently been one of the trickiest attackers in the Premier League and could be an interesting addition to the Chelsea squad. His availability on a Bosman move would also suit the Blues, who have invested above £600m on new players under co-owner Todd Boehly.
Mason Mount backed for Anfield move
Mason Mount will be tempted to join Liverpool this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The English midfielder's contract with Chelsea runs out in a little over a year, but he's yet to sign an extension. A departure from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season is now looking increasingly likely, with the Reds eyeing him with interest.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs said that Liverpool could convince Mount to move to Anfield if they offer him a contract of his liking.
"A clear pitch from Liverpool, with European football, the management of someone like Klopp, and a decent pay increase compared to what he's on at Chelsea now, could all be factors as well. Maybe the fresh challenge will be something that turns Mount's head. This is the type of scenario we're at at the moment," said Jacobs.
However, Jacobs added that a final decision on the player's future hasn't been taken yet.
"Anyone that says that Chelsea have decided this, or anyone that says that Mount has decided this, is jumping ahead and predicting things that haven't yet been established in the minds of Todd Boehly or Mount," said Jacobs.
He continued:
"So, we're going to have to be a little bit patient on this one. As things stand, we can't say that Mount will definitely play for Chelsea again, because he might be injured until the end of the season, and he might still go in the summer."
The English midfielder is sidelined with a pelvis injury and is unlikely to play again this season.
Francesco Graziani heaps praise on Romelu Lukaku
Former AS Roma striker Francesco Graziani reckons Romelu Lukaku is back to his best.
The Belgian striker found the back of the net against Roma this weekend, helping Inter Milan register a 2-0 win. The 28-year-old is on a season-long loan from Chelsea, but his future remains up in the air ahead of the new season.
Speaking on Sport Mediaset, Graziani said that Lukaku needs regular game time to stay in his best form.
"Sometimes he rotates pairs too much, in my opinion, and in the end, he doesn’t satisfy anyone. I’ve always thought that Lukaku needs to play a few more games; if he’s doing well, we know what a player he is. He’s recovered well in the last month,” said Graziani.
He continued:
“Edin Dzeko has he has always behaved well; Lautaro Martinez is the one who has contributed the most. Last summer, we were met by Lukaku’s cousin, now the real one is back. The depth and physical strength that Lukaku can give you cannot be underestimated.”
The Blues are expected to invest in a new No. 9 this summer, and Lukaku is unlikely to be at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer.