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      Chelsea staff ignored Frank Lampard plea to sign Premier League legend BEFORE he won five titles

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      FRANK LAMPARD told Chelsea to sign Sergio Aguero before he joined Manchester City.The Argentine striker, 35, came on to the radar of English football fans when he scored twice for Atletico Madrid in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Champions League group stage in 2009.Frank Lampard knew about Sergio Aguero’s talent two years before he came to EnglandCredit: GettyA volley and a free-kick from Aguero ensured the Blues failed to leave Spain with a victory.In 2011, he then finally made the move to England as Man City sealed a £35million transfer.But Lampard, 45, had already seen his talent two years earlier as he later explained to Aguero when the pair linked up as Man City players.Speaking to The Club, Aguero said: “After that game [Atletico vs Chelsea in 2009], maybe two months after, my agent says to me ‘Chelsea is interested’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I had just three years at Atletico Madrid but I love the Premier League.”But Chelsea never interested after that.”He then went on to add: “I spoke about that with Frank Lampard because Frank Lampard played with Man City.”He said when I played against him he told the staff at Chelsea to sign Aguero.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAguero ended up netting 260 goals in 390 appearances for Man City, making him the club’s all-time record scorer.He won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and six League Cups during his time at the Etihad.Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseHe had a brief stint in Barcelona in 2021, but was then forced to retire with a heart condition.But Aguero is not the only player Lampard spotted before they moved elsewhere.As Chelsea boss, he wanted to sign both Erling Haaland and Declan Rice, before they opted to join Man City and Arsenal.Speaking about Haaland, he said: “People talk a lot about mistakes or things that could have been in football.”Whether he would have come here, I don’t know but I was pushing big and on a few other players at the time. But he was the outstanding one.”Was it close? He’ll only know the answer to that. What stage did it get to? From our point, I was certainly pushing it. I’m not sure what the appetite was everywhere else in the club to do it.”The competition was big to take him because he was an outstanding player and I think there was a buyout clause at the time which was relatively reasonable, maybe, considering the player.”So all those things. I don’t have enough detail to say how close it was, it’s by the by, really.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile on Rice, he said: “I wanted to bring in Declan Rice. I was like ‘this kid is going to be the captain of Chelsea for the next 10 years’.”It didn’t happen, anyway, it is hard to dissect people’s work.”How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poetBy Andy Dillon
      IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.
      Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.
      It’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge.
      Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.
      It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”
      He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
      There is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.
      For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom. Both players are exceptional individual talents.
      Read Andy Dillon’s take on Chelsea’s midfield in full.
      Or check out all of Andy Dillon’s articles. More

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      Chelsea fans baffled to discover Enzo Fernandez’s farm-related nickname for returning Reece James

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ sparked a “farmyard mystery” amongst Chelsea fans by revealing his nickname for Reece James.The midfielder welcomed the England defender’s latest recovery from injury by posting on his Instagram story: “The tractor is back.”Enzo Fernandez hailed Reece James’ return to fitness but surprised supporters with his label for the England starCredit: GettySupporters harvested plenty of jokes over Fernandez’s nickname for James, as revealed on the Argentinian’s Instagram storyJames is better known for tracking back – as well as his attacking forays.And the 24-year-old, who was appointed Blues’ skipper last summer, made the squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest.But supporters appeared just as interested in Fernandez’s label for his team-mate as they were by James’ long-awaited return.One suggested: “That’s cause Reece is gonna be farming assists this season, let’s go.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAnother said: “Ploughing up and down the right flank.”And many derived a free range of puns from James’ farm-based tag.Top of the crops on that front was a prediction on the Euro 2024 hopeful’s next career move.Noting the Tractor Boys’ promotion to the Prem, one fan predicted: “He’s joining Ipswich, lads.”Most read in FootballJames, seen fending off Moises Caicedo, has trained hard after injuryCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, James’ fitness issues over the past few years have led to many a furrowed brow.And England boss Gareth Southgate has urged the 16-cap star to develop his “physical resistance”.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichBut for now Blues’ supporters are just delighted to see him back.Some also believe Fernandez’s message for James highlights a strong bond in the Chelsea squad as Mauricio Pochettino’s men surge into form.One fan wondered: “Are other clubs this cute and I don’t know it or we’re just extra cute?”Another expressed the same feeling more agriculturally, as he wrote: “I f***ing love this team”s connection.”But as supporters strained to work out the real reason Fernandez calls James “The Tractor,” they had to go to the other side of the globe to find the probable answer.On the other hand, it’s close to home for Argentinian World Cup winner Fernandez.Well-travelled fans chipped in with posts like: “He’s referring Reece to be as strong as a tractor. In Latin America it’s very common to say someone ‘hey you’re a tractor’ when someone is really strong.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThat certainly ties in with the “absolute unit” verdict on powerfully-built James given by many other supporters.But now he’s fit again, let’s just hope his form doesn’t blow hot and cold… otherwise, Fernandez could turn into an ex-Tractor fan! More

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      Chelsea complete first sale of summer transfer window as forgotten £37m star moves to Euro giants

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      CHELSEA have reportedly completed their first sale of the summer.The Blues are looking to offload players in order to help them meet Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Hakim Ziyech is reportedly joining Galatasaray permanently from ChelseaCredit: GettyNow Fabrizio Romano claims that they have agreed the permanent exit of Hakim Ziyech.The Moroccan winger, 31, joined Galatasaray on a season long loan last summer.Now he is set to stay there long-term, according to the journalist.Romano posted on X: “Hakim Ziyech will not return to Chelsea as he’s staying to Galatasaray on permanent move.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Obligation to buy clause, triggered and signed as Chelsea already sent letter to Gala confirming the agreement.”Speculation mounted in January that Galatasaray were contemplating terminating Ziyech’s loan early due to injury problems.However, his form in the second half of the campaign seems to have persuaded them to turn it into a long-term deal.Ziyech has scored eight goals in 21 appearances this season. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt remains unclear what transfer fee the English side will receive for the attacker.Chelsea forked out £34m to sign Ziyech from Ajax back in 2020.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?The star lifted the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup in the first 18 months of his arrival at Stamford Bridge but he struggled to impress.After just six goals in 64 Premier League appearances, he was allowed to head to Turkey last summer.And he has shone for Gala in the top-flight, scoring six times in 16 outings.Ziyech and his Galatasaray team-mates are aiming to complete the double over the next few weeks.They are currently top of the Turkish Super Lig, six points clear of second-placed Fenerbahce.There are three games left of the season, including a crucial clash between the top two on May 19.READ MORE SUN STORIESGalatasaray were also declared Turkish Super Cup winners earlier this season after Fenerbahce forfeited the clash.Their rivals fielded an U19 team and then walked off the pitch after two minutes.Boehly’s impressively bad Chelsea jobBy Andy Dillon
      IT IS small beer to billionaires like Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.Understandably, the price of a pint at Chelsea, the cost of a coach to Bramall Lane or admission to a youth game won’t even register in the big men’s bank balances.But when you run an English football club, even if you don’t know what’s of value to the fans, you should make sure there are people nearby that do.Boehly and his sidekick are clearly failing in this regard and have scored an own goal just as spectacular as that from defender Axel Disasi against Leicester on Sunday.The letter from Chelsea Supporters’ Trust to the chairman and his co-owner  was not your usual fed-up fan rant.It may have been a devastating four-page assassination job on Boehly and Eghbali’s entire regime.But did you notice how little griping was aimed at some of the abject football played by a massively overpriced and underachieving bunch of players?What two hard-nosed American financiers make of being warned about the “irreversible toxicity, almost  irrespective of results on the pitch” in a withering assault on their ability to run a Premier League club would be a joy to know. Way to go, boys.It takes some doing to p*** off the normally mild-mannered CST, an elected group of diehards ranging from mid-20s to retirement age and made up of largely professional people.Not the kind of Chelsea fans who push black men off Paris Metro trains.To them and many others who devote themselves to the pursuit of Chelsea FC, it is not all about silverware — contrary to outside perception.There are some at Stamford Bridge with a sense of entitlement after so many years of winning trophies. But to most, it is a cult, a religion, a devotion. It’s about belonging and feeling part of it. Like at other clubs, win or lose.The  price of a pint, a hot dog, a matchday programme, a season ticket or away travel may seem insignificant to those spending £1billion on a development squad.But it means a lot to the fans who were there before and will be there long after Boehly and his pals from Clearlake Capital have cleared off.And they don’t take kindly to being blanked either. The owners of Chelsea have predictably missed the point when it comes to the fan base. Next month’s game at Sheffield United is on Sunday, April 7.Kick-off is at 5.30pm because of the city’s half-marathon earlier that day. There is also a train strike.Yet the away end at Bramall Lane will be full. Just like it was on Christmas Eve at Wolves.A friend paid £600 on the black  market for two tickets to see Chelsea the day before New Year’s Eve. He still hasn’t told his missus the true cost.He was at Middlesbrough when a pathetic Chelsea lost 1-0 in a  midweek  Carabao Cup semi-final.Chelsea have been awful most of this season and last. Yet my friend will still go. So will thousands of others who just want to feel part of the team, even a losing one. The perceived lack of communication from the owners is seen as a rejection of worth.The CST points to a disconnect between club and supporters not seen since the early 1980s.That was when then chairman Ken Bates tried to electrify the fences  surrounding the pitch to thwart the hooligans in The Shed.With crowd numbers on the slide at Stamford Bridge as a result of Boehly and Behdad’s detached, lofty air, they may have to do the same again — only now to keep the fans in. More

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      PSG ‘lining up mega-money replacement for Kylian Mbappe’.. and it’s bad news for Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have identified their priority target to replace departing superstar Kylian Mbappe in the summer.Mbappe, 25, will be leaving PSG at the end of the season after seven years at Parc des Princes and is expected to join Real Madrid.Paris Saint-Germain have found their top target to replace Kylian MbappeCredit: GettyPSG have prioritised Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and talks have been heldCredit: RexAccording to RMC Sport, the Parisians are now prioritising Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the star forward’s replacement.And this poses as a major transfer blow for Chelsea, Arsenal as well as Manchester United who are also eyeing Kvaratskhelia.PSG boss Luis Enrique sees the winger as the perfect candidate to fill in for Mbappe down the left wing and discussions have already taken place.Club chiefs have travelled to Italy to meet the Georgia international’s camp.Read More on FootballThe negotiations have been described as “positive” and Kvaratskhelia was left “enthusiastic”. However, there has been no agreement between the two sides and PSG will have to splash a significant sum for the Georgian’s signature.Napoli are notoriously tough negotiators who slap a hefty fee on their top stars, such as Victor Osimhen, and are not known to budge.Kvaratskhelia has set the world alight during his two-year stint with the Partenopei.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe forward led the Serie A giants to their first Scudetto in 33 years during his maiden campaign.He now counts a total of 24 goals and 26 assists in 85 appearances across all competitions.Thierry Henry slammed for ’embarrassing take’ on Kylian Mbappe after PSG defeated in Champions League semi-finalBarcelona are also keeping tabs but Kvaratskhelia’s father Badri recently dealt all of his suitors a major blow as he suggested his son wants to stay at Napoli where he has a contract until 2027. More

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      Under-fire Pochettino hints he could choose to QUIT Chelsea despite Boehly praise and ‘it won’t be end of the world’

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO hinted he could choose to QUIT Chelsea at the end of the season and it “won’t be the end of the world”.The Blues manager cryptically admitted “maybe we are not happy” as he stressed his future is not just up to the owners.Mauricio Pochettino has hinted he could quit ChelseaCredit: PAIt comes after Todd Boehly said he was happy with the team’s recent formCredit: GettyPochettino has been under intense pressure at Stamford Bridge after a largely underwhelming debut season.The former Spurs boss, who has 12 months remaining on his contract, struggled to get fans on side with the Blues spending much of the campaign in mid-table.But a recent upturn in form, sparked by Cole Palmer’s goalscoring heroics, has seen Chelsea shoot into the race for European football.And co-owner Todd Boehly appeared to suggest Pochettino’s job is safe, as he praised the Argentine’s “beautiful football” ahead of the club’s trip to Nottingham Forest this weekend.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHowever, Pochettino, 52, revealed his future is still very much up in the air.He said: “The most important thing is to keep going, working if we are all happy, not only the owners happy with us, or us,“With all the organisation the club is building here, because of them, we are all under assessment.”If we are happy, perfect. But it is not only if the owners are happy or the sporting directors are happy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”If we are happy, you need to ask us, also, because maybe we are not happy and we accept the situation and we need to split.”It is not going to be the first time the coaching staff at the end of the season decide to not keep going.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadium”But at this end, it is always the opposite way, it is always the owners or the sporting directors.”They can say tomorrow, maybe I can say, ‘I want to leave’. It is two parties making a decision. Because Chelsea is not happy, the owners or the sporting directors.”Maybe we are not happy because we arrive here with a job to do and in the end it has not happened as we expected.”I am not saying I am not happy, but it is always one side and maybe [we need to look at the] other side.”Pochettino did stress that he is already planning ahead for next season despite hinting at his exit.He added: “The way we work is to sit with the sporting directors.”We are already planning the pre-season tour, to start the pre-season here.”We have had some meetings and we are working with the responsibility to organise the next season and of course, working in the future.”How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poetBy Andy Dillon
      IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.
      Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.
      It’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge.
      Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.
      It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”
      He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
      There is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.
      For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom. Both players are exceptional individual talents.
      Read Andy Dillon’s take on Chelsea’s midfield in full.
      Or check out all of Andy Dillon’s articles.

      Boehly’s recent praise of Pochettino saw him say: “We’ve seen the last two and a half games, at least in the second half at Villa (2-2) and Tottenham and West Ham where we played just beautiful football.“It was so fluid, it was exactly the way we drew it up, when we came out of the back, built up and moved up the pitch.“It was very organised and the number of shots we had on board. In those games you could really start to see what we were working on coming together.If we are happy, you need to ask us, also, because maybe we are not happy and we accept the situation and we need to split.Mauricio Pochettino“Even the commentary has changed over the last two and a half games. I’ve never seen anything change so quickly.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn a boost for Pochettino, captain Reece James is back in contention to play a role before the season ends.The defender was involved in first-team training this week, with Pochettino saying: “We need today to see but maybe he can be available.”Chelsea captain Reece James has returned to training in a boost for PochettinoCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea ‘reach verbal agreement’ over first summer signing as they close in on £27.5m transfer of wonderkid

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      CHELSEA have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Estevao Willian.The 17-year-old winger has been strongly linked with the Blues in recent months.Chelsea have reportedly reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Estevao WillianCredit: RexReports in his native Brazil last week even claimed Chelsea were preparing an opening transfer bid for the teenager.Although an official offer has been tabled, the club are interested in signing Estevao.According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with the player.Talks are now planned with Palmeiras and a bid of £27.5million is expected, the report adds.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHowever, a bid has yet to be submitted and nothing is finalised, but the Blues remain the clear favourites to sign Estevao.Chelsea have been chasing a deal since January, according to Romano.The youngster, who has been nicknamed “Messinho”, made his debut for Palmeiras back in December whilst still aged 16.He has since scored three goals and provided one assist in 14 first-team appearances for the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCapable of playing behind the striker and in attacking midfield as well as on the right wing, he is already a Brazilian youth international.All of his appearances for Brazil’s under-17s came at the under-17 World Cup last year.Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezEstevao scored three goals and added three assists in five matches as his side reached the quarter-finals.He would be the latest promising South American youngster to move to Stamford Bridge if Chelsea can complete a deal.Ecuador international Kendry Paez has already agreed to sign from Independiente del Valle.The 17-year-old will arrive in West London in 2025, with his move held up until he turns 18 in May next year.Chelsea are preparing to launch a £27.5million for the Palmeiras wingerCredit: AFP More

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      Armando Broja could be first Chelsea star to leave this summer with Champions League giants in advanced transfer talks

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      ARMANDO BROJA could be the first Chelsea star through the exit door this summer – with Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund hoping to snap up the striker.Talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage and Broja is also believed to be keen on the deal.Armando Broja is expected to leave Chelsea this summerCredit: GettyThe striker has barely featured for Fulham since joining on loanCredit: PAThe player has been on loan at Fulham since January but has barely featured, with just three sub appearances.Chelsea have been trying to offload the Albania centre forward permanently but their price tag of £50million has been rebuffed by potential customers.Dortmund want Broja but won’t pay anywhere near that fee and are set to pay around half that.But they believe he can do the business for them next season. He is under contract until 2028.READ MORE ON CHELSEABy finishing fifth in Germany’s Bundesliga they have secured Champions League football for next season, even if they fail to win the competition this season.Germany has been awarded an extra place by UEFA in next season’s tournament following the success of their teams in Europe.Dortmund have shown interest in Broja before but no deal materialised.It now looks as if the one-time Chelsea academy graduate will finally be on his way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBroja spent the first half of the season with Chelsea before being loaned outThe Blues also need to start offloading players to comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules.They posted a loss of £90million for 2023 to go with a £121m loss the year before.Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezSporting director Paul Winstanley is now tasked with flogging £100m worth of talent to bring the figures back into line.Being home grown, Broja is considered pure profit in accounting terms because technically he cost nothing to buy as a one-time youth team player.He has scored only two goals this season – one in the Premier League for Chelsea and one in the FA Cup. But he also spent nine months out previously with a serious knee injury. More

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      Chelsea wonderkid ‘summoned to Cobham training ground’ as transfer battle for promotion-winning ace hots up

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      CHELSEA wonderkid Omari Hutchinson has been “summoned” to the club’s training ground for talks over his future, according to reports.The attacking midfielder, 20, was an instrumental part of Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier League this season and was seen as one of the Tractor Boys’ most important players.Hutchinson was a key part of Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyHis 11 goals and six assists in 50 appearances saw him rewarded with Ipswich’s young player of the season but Chelsea have wasted no time in getting him back to train with their first-team.The Athletic report that Mauricio Pochettino was particularly keen to get a look at Hutchinson in training before a decision is made on his future.He’ll begin training with the Blues again next week after being given some time off to celebrate Ipswich’s promotion.He’ll also have conversations with the club’s hierarchy as they look to plot out the young player’s future.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen asked by Sky Sports if he would return on loan to Ipswich again next season, Hutchinson said: “I hope so.”I don’t know, we will see what the manager is saying and my agent. Right now, I am going to celebrate — I do not know what to do.”He is understood to enjoy a close relationship with Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna so his future will be tied to the Northern Irishman – who is wanted by other clubs.Huthcinson is attracting loan interest from across the Premier League, so a loan next season to another club cannot be ruled out.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIpswich are very keen to have the player back at Portman Road again next season.Despite his imminent return to Chelsea training, he will not be able to appear for The Blues again this season, as he is technically still on loan at Ipswich.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsOne thing complicating his Chelsea future is the number of options The Blues have that can operate behind the striker.Hutchinson would face competition from Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka and Conor Gallagher in his favoured position next season – making Loan more likely.Chelsea’s need to comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainaility Rules (PSR) means he could be sold to the highest bidder should they decide he does not have a log-term future at the club.Hutchinson joined The Blues on a free from rivals Arsenal in the summer of 2022 – the Gunners will be entitled to a sell-on fee should Hutchinson be sold by Chelsea this summer.How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poetBy Andy Dillon
      IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.
      Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.
      It’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge.
      Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.
      It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”
      He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
      There is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.
      For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom. Both players are exceptional individual talents.
      Read Andy Dillon’s take on Chelsea’s midfield in full.
      Or check out all of Andy Dillon’s articles. More