Mauricio Pochettino refused to discuss Chelsea‘s ongoing pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo during his first pre-match press conference ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Brighton midfielder looked set to be joining Chelsea before Liverpool agreed a late £111million offer with the Seagulls, thwarting Pochettino’s efforts to bring the Ecuadorian to Stamford Bridge.
However, the 21-year-old is said to be having second-thoughts about moving to Anfield after already agreeing personal terms with Chelsea, giving Blues supporters hope that a deal can still be salvaged.
Pochettino told reporters on Friday afternoon: ‘I never talk about players who don’t belong to us.
‘We are working hard to add more players to the squad and if we have some update to make for you the club will do. At the moment I will not talk about players who do not play for us.
Moises Caicedo looks set to leave Brighton for either Liverpool or Chelsea after a flurry of late bids
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to be drawn into speculation surrounding the club’s pursuit of Caicedo
‘Like any club, we are trying to add more quality to reinforce our squad with Paul, Laurence and the owners, the relationship is really good.’
Pochettino will return to Premier League duties on Sunday for the first time since leaving his post at Tottenham in 2019, with Liverpool the visitors at Stamford Bridge for both sides season-opening clash.
The Blues enjoyed a strong pre-season under the Argentinian, impressing against Brighton, Newcastle, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund, while also winning the Premier League summer series competition in America.
However, despite co-owner Todd Boehly splashing over £700m on new signings since completing his takeover last year, Chelsea need further reinforcements and Pochettino identified midfield as a key area requiring strengthening.
Caicedo (right) is reportedly having second-thoughts over whether to move to Liverpool
Pochettino (left) accepted there is a need to improve Chelsea’s midfield in the transfer window
‘It’s obvious when you look at the squad and when you compare to last season too many midfielders leave the squad,’ added Pochettino.
‘We are trying hard but being respectful. It is so important to be very respectful, it is the way I love to work and the way we need to work.
‘We are working really hard to try and finish the squad. The market doesn’t help to finish business before the start of the season.
‘For every club it is like this. I am positive,’ he added.
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