Mauricio Pochettino chooses Chelsea’s No. 1 goalkeeper for next season

Mauricio Pochettino has already decided his No. 1 for next season and is planning to keep Kepa Arrizabalaga as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, according to reports.

Chelsea are being linked with summer moves for a number of goalkeepers, including Inter Milan’s Andre Onana and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez.

The Blues spent £72m on Kepa – making him the most expensive goalkeeper in history – and a further £22m on Edouard Mendy.

But both have drawn criticism at Stamford Bridge and it was thought that Pochettino would look to bring in a new goalkeeper for his first season in west London.

However, according to Sky Sports, Pochettino is happy with Kepa and intends for the Spaniard to be his first-choice goalkeeper next season.

As a result, it is claimed moves for Onana or Sanchez – who would demand the No. 1 jersey – are unlikely, although Chelsea may still look to sign a back-up goalkeeper should Mendy seek a summer move.

Sky Sports say Chelsea are focusing on other areas in the transfer market as they look to bring in a new striker and central midfielder. The Blues are also keen to trim their bloated squad at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea finished just 12th in the Premier League last season – closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places – but will hope the arrival of Pochettino gets the club back on track.

Last week, Chelsea’s owners released a letter to fans thanking them for their ‘incredible support’ and reiterated their commitment to the ‘long-term’ success of the club.

‘Our promise to you was to make our fans proud,’ a statement read. ‘We remain completely committed to the long term and sustainable success of our club, and fulfilling that promise we made to you.

‘We know the huge potential we must grow to develop Chelsea FC and it is a role we take seriously. Everybody working here is relentlessly focused on driving us forward.

‘Throughout these difficult periods, our fans have supported our players and our team across the country, and Europe with unfailing loyalty. We could not be more grateful for your incredible support.

‘We will continue to ensure your voices are heard as we look to the future. For all the challenges of the past year, we are optimistic about the future.’

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