Pochettino appointment to spark immediate Chelsea deal for all-time great who’s eluded Boehly until now

Chelsea are closing in on appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their next permanent manager, and the Argentine could be the final push that sees another important deal cross the line, per a report.

Pochettino remains the odds-on favourite to become the next Chelsea boss in the coming days. Frank Lampard has taken interim charge since Graham Potter was axed and the Blues legend is expected to remain in charge until the end of the season.

That won’t stop Chelsea from finalising an agreement with Pochettino, however, with Sky Sports reporting the deal is ‘edging closer’.

The Telegraph take it a step further on Tuesday, adding the former Spurs favourite ‘is in line to complete the formalities of his appointment’. Per their reporter, Matt Law, the final touches could come later this week.

Law also noted confirmation of Pochettino’s arrival could be the final push tying N’Golo Kante down to fresh terms needs.

The French midfielder, 32, is out of contract at season’s end and Chelsea have been angling for an extension for several months. However, Todd Boehly and co. have as yet been unable to seal a deal.

Pochettino and Kante a match made in heaven

The Telegraph note Pochettino is a huge admirer of Kante and previously tried to bring him to PSG while at the helm in Paris.

The appreciation is mutual, with Kante reportedly retaining a desire to work with Pochettino before his career concludes.

Kante’s campaign has been riddled with injuries, with a serious hamstring issue limiting him to just seven league outings this term.

Regardless, Kante remains an elite-level operator when fit and is unquestionably one of the greatest holding midfielders the Premier League has seen.

Kante was named EPL Player of the Year in 2016/17 and Chelsea Player of the Season in 2017-18. He’s also a two-time selection in the FIFPro World XI and was the catalyst behind the Blues’ march to Champions League glory in 2021.

Extending his stay at Stamford Bridge has also assumed greater importance given the mass influx of changes around him. While it’s nice to welcome a raft of new signings, there is something to be said for retaining some level of continuity.

The Telegraph conclude Pochettino’s appointment may well help get a Kante extension over the line.

It’s also noted his high-energy approach should mesh well with the tactics Pochettino has deployed at his previous clubs.

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