Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino ‘orders PSG transfer’ after Caicedo deadlock

Leandro Paredes is wanted by Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino (Image: Getty) Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly keen on a reunion with Leandro Paredes at Stamford Bridge this summer. The development has emerged amid the Blues’ struggles to strike an agreement with Brighton for Moises Caicedo and the saga now looks set to rumble on. Chelsea have had three bids rejected by the Seagulls this summer and four in total when you also included January’s £55m proposal that was rebuffed. Todd Boehly is refusing to give up on the signing of the Ecuadorian but it appears Pochettino also wants to add some more experience to Chelsea’s midfield ranks. According to The Evening Standard , Paredes is now in his crosshairs and a move is very much possible. The 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract at PSG and spent last season on loan in Italy with Juventus. Chelsea need some experience in midfield and Leandro Paredes ticks that box (Image: Getty) The World Cup winner is up for grabs this summer and Turkish giants Galatasaray have already looked at a potential deal for the box-to-box maestro. Paredes was part of the PSG side that won the Ligue 1 title under Chelsea head coach Pochettino in 2022 before the Argentine’s departure. Now the pair could be set for another bite of the cherry as Chelsea target midfielder reinforcements. Pochettino previously explained during his time as PSG boss that Paredes nearly broke his nose during ecstatic celebrations after a last-minute Kylian Mbappe winner. He said: “I felt two things, the first was joy, then Paredes ran towards me and hit my nose with his chest.” Should Paredes arrive, there could be scope for Conor Gallagher to depart the club. Gallagher wants to stay but Chelsea are unsure about keeping him for the long-term and would entertain offers at the right price. Chelsea are still hopeful they can reach an agreement with Brighton and are expected to submit a new bid very soon. Caicedo wants the move but Brighton now expect him to stay as they don’t believe any club will match their £100million asking price. Boehly has overseen a mass clear-out in midfield following the departures of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount. But Chelsea are yet to really strengthen in that department and youngster Andrey Santos could yet stay with Pochettino’s side for the upcoming season following the approval of his work permit. The Brazilian has a number of loan offers but caught the eye in pre-season alongside Enzo Fernandez in the centre of the park. Still Pochettino is pressing for further recruits as Chelsea remain light on the ground and are currently only a few injuries away from a midfield crisis.