Chelsea transfer targets: The experienced heads Blues should target for post-Pochettino era | OneFootball

We’re set for another new era at Stamford Bridge with Mauricio Pochettino’s departure confirmed on Tuesday.

While the Blues negotiate for a new manager, they will also have to keep an eye on the transfer market. This week also marked the end of Thiago Silva’s time at Stamford Bridge.

The 39-year-old Brazilian played his 155th and final game for Chelsea on Sunday, after four seasons in West London.

And his exit will leave a void in Chelsea’s youthful squad, which is already lacking experienced figures in the dressing room.

The Blues will need to rectify that situation this summer, so who should they target when the transfer window re-opens? Gleison Bremer Chelsea will want to add experience at the back following Silva’s exit — and central defender Gleison Bremer could fit the bill. The Blues are believed to be considering a £60million move for the Juventus star, who is also being courted by Manchester United. Bremer, 27, has racked up almost 200 appearances for Torino and Juve since arriving in Italy in 2018, and has enjoyed a particularly impressive 2023/24 campaign. Only Cagliari’s Alberto Dossena (92) has managed more headed clearances than the Bianconeri’s No.3 (84), while he also ranks second in Serie A for possessions won in the defensive third (113).

Victor Osimhen A proven centre-forward will be high on Chelsea’s wish list this summer, amid reports linking Napoli’s Victor Osimhen with a switch to Stamford Bridge.

There is no doubting the 25-year-old’s goalscoring credentials — he has struck 76 times across 132 games for the Partenopei, including 17 this season. Osimhen’s injury record is a cause for concern, though, while a release clause of £113million could be prohibitive to any deal being struck. Nonetheless, Chelsea would be getting a first-class frontman if they choose to pursue the Nigeria international. No player in Serie A has registered a higher xG (0.7) or more shots on target (1.83) per 90 minutes in 2023/24.

Joao Palhinha Fulham supporters would be devastated to see Joao Palhinha move across West London, but the Portuguese anchorman could be just what Chelsea’s midfield needs. He has been a colossus in the centre of the park this season, topping the Premier League rankings for total tackles with 152 — significantly more than second-place Joao Gomes’ 128. The 28-year-old also ranks inside the division’s top 10 players for interceptions (46), reflecting his remarkable ability to break up play and shield the Cottagers’ rearguard. Though Fulham remain bullish about retaining Palhinha, a bid of around £50million may be enough to tempt them into a sale. Bringing the former Sporting man to Stamford Bridge could be a shrewd piece of business by the Blues this summer.