Thomas Tuchel insists he will NOT push for a summer overhaul of his Chelsea squad despite being linked with Erling Haaland and Sergio Aguero as the German even claims ‘if we have a transfer ban tomorrow, I would be a HAPPY coach next season’
- Thomas Tuchel has addressed his thoughts ahead of the summer window
- Chelsea have been linked with moves for Erling Haaland and Sergio Aguero
- But Tuchel claimed he wouldn’t be too bothered if the club didn’t make signings
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has played down any talk of a summer overhaul, claiming he wouldn’t be too fussed if the club didn’t make any signings.
Tuchel has rejuvenated Chelsea since taking over from Frank Lampard in January, with the club moving back into the Premier League’s top four and reaching the Champions League quarter-finals amid a 14-game unbeaten streak.
Even though Chelsea have shone in that run, the Blues have been linked with some big names – including Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland and outgoing Man City legend Sergio Aguero.
Thomas Tuchel has warned Chelsea fans not to expect an overhaul of his squad this summer
However, Tuchel has urged caution ahead of the upcoming transfer window – and quashed any talk of an overhaul of his squad.
‘Honestly, if we have a transfer ban tomorrow, I would be a happy coach next season,’ Tuchel told reporters. ‘So we can push this team to the next limit and level, like we do. But I have ideas, of course, I have ideas how to improve this team maybe.
‘It’s very, very difficult because, first of all, we have a very strong group with a strong bond, which means that we need excellent characters. That is the most important thing because we have top guys in the dressing room, and I will not allow anybody to ruin that and have a bad influence in there.
‘It’s not like a puzzle where you take out a piece and put the next piece in. This is a complex situation, every transfer market.
‘So I’m absolutely calm at the moment because of course, we have some ideas, some profiles, maybe which we think we could add to this group to make maybe even a bit more competitive, more options.
Chelsea are in prime position to land outgoing Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero
‘It’s another strange situation with the pandemic worldwide. It is necessary that we as a club need to adapt and be patient. Is there even a market? How does it look? What can we invest in? Are there even chances to generate money? Is there interest in our players?
‘Do other clubs have the capacity to buy players from us? Are we able to buy and do we want to? So the situation is not clear and so for me, it’s best to be patient and I agree with the club in this to not lose our head.’
Sportsmail revealed on Thursday that Chelsea are in prime position to land Aguero, this summer’s hottest free transfer, with the Argentine determined to continue his career in the Premier League when he departs City at the end of the season.
Aguero will have offers from all around the world, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but his preference would be to remain in the Premier League as the 32-year-old believes he still has much to give in this country.
Chelsea wanted to sign Aguero in 2011 when he played for Atletico Madrid and they are one of only a handful of clubs who could pay the salary of more than £13million he has commanded at City but others who have the financial resources — Manchester United and Liverpool — are not at the table.
Chelsea have also been linked with Erling Haaland – who has huge interest from around Europe
Aguero would never ruin the relationship he has with City fans by moving across town, and Liverpool’s main aim is to sign a new central defender this summer with RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate and Ben White of Brighton being considered.
The idea of Aguero still playing in the Premier League, however, is intriguing and Chelsea are determined to bring in more firepower with Timo Werner, last summer’s big signing, still struggling to adapt to the division’s demands.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are one of six clubs interested in Haaland’s services – with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man United, City and Liverpool also in the hunt.
Mino Raiola and Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, are currently on a grand European tour looking to drum up interest in Haaland, who is valued at £154million by Dortmund.