Thomas Tuchel has brilliant answer to Paul Pogba transfer message amid Chelsea midfield
clearout
Thomas Tuchel already has the tools to bolster his midfield despite sections of the Chelsea
fanbase egging on prospective owners to sign Paul Pogba.
The Manchester United midfielder sees his current deal at Old Trafford expire at the
end of the season, making him available via a free transfer from June.
Pogba's situation has attracted the attention of several top European clubs, including Real
Madrid and Juventus, according to the Mirror.
But, despite the stampede of interest, the 29-year-old will let his contract run down
before deciding his future, rather than signing a pre-contract agreement with one of his potential
suitors.
Two unnamed Premier League sides have been credited with an interest in the France international,
according to The Telegraph.
So, in light of the west London side's failed pursuit of Pogba seven years ago, Chelsea
fans have taken to social media to speculate the logistics of prising the midfielder to
Stamford Bridge.
Pogba has struggled to enjoy sustained form in a United shirt since returning for a record-breaking
£89.3m in 2016.
The Frenchman broke the silence on his future in an interview with Le Figaro.
"You have to be honest, and these last five seasons have not satisfied me — really not
at all," he said.
"This year is dead, and we won't win anything.
Whether it's with Manchester United or another club, I want to win trophies.
"It's simple with France, I play, and I play in my position — I know my role and feel
the coach's confidence and the players.
It's normal to feel a difference at Manchester United because it's hard to be consistent
when you often have a change to your position, or the team system, or your [midfield] partners.
"I get along very well with [France manager Didier Deschamps], he gave me a role that
I know — but at Manchester United, do I really have a role?
I ask the question, but I don't have an answer."
While a move for Pogba on paper looks like a fantastic deal, Tuchel must prioritise Chelsea's
future — and he already has the perfect answer to the Blues' emerging midfielder crisis.
Jorginho and N'Golo Kante each see their contracts at Stamford Bridge expire in June 2023.
The duo has been central to much of the club's success in recent years, and their omissions
from Chelsea's spine could prove fatal.
To bring Pogba to west London would be incredible, but Tuchel already has Conor Gallagher.
This term, the Cobham graduate has been awe-inspired for Crystal Palace and warrants a place in
Chelsea's first-team squad.
Regardless of the poor message, it would send to the academy if the 22-year-old wasn't rewarded
for his efforts, there is a smaller risk and far greater reward by playing Gallagher over
Pogba next season.
Prospective Chelsea owners must remember that Cobham was pivotal towards the club securing
European and World glory.
Tuchel must ensure that the Blues' eventual new-look hierarchy are not drawn in by Pogba's
gravity and instead pave a clear pathway for Gallagher to thrive.