'It's crazy' - Mauricio Pochettino insists he must have a key role in Chelsea's January transfer business

The Blues will consider strengthening their squad further in the winter window as they look to improve on a disappointing first half of the season. Pochettino's side sit 10th in the Premier League table with just seven wins from 19 matches, despite spending huge sums of money since new co-owner Todd Boehly took the helm in 2022.

Pochettino insists he will have an influence on the decision-making process regarding transfers, telling reporters: "It’s obvious that the head coach, coach or manager… it’s crazy to think he won’t be involved in any decisions for the future in my area. Of course, we will share with the owners, the sporting directors but I cannot conceive the idea of not being involved."

Pochettino was appointed Chelsea manager in the summer, with a lot of their comings and goings already decided by the time he was in place. He said in September that he was already identifying possible targets for January, while it was reported in October that he would be given total control over the transfer policy.

It has been reported that Chelsea want a defender, midfielder AND striker in January, with plenty of names already linked. Before they start conducting transfer business in the January window, Chelsea will see out the year with an away game against Luton in the Premier League on Saturday and will play Preston in the FA Cup in their first game of 2024 on January 6.