Three stars were purchased for £143 million to start the Chelsea exodus, and Pochettino is expected to have the best start with this transaction after it.

Three expensive signings who might all depart for the same league could start the much-anticipated Chelsea exodus, and a source suggests that one particular departure would enable a prominent star move the other way.

Chelsea is prepared to manage something of a fire sale this summer in place of their enormous expenditure over the last two transfer windows.

No fewer than 15 players were recently identified by The Evening Standard as possible season-ending transfers from Stamford Bridge. Many of the anticipated withdrawals must occur by June 30 in order to comply with Financial Fair Play laws.

Among the 15-strong list were centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly and winger Hakim Ziyech. Koulibaly was a £33m signing from Napoli just last summer, while Ziyech – a £39m (including add-ons) arrival from Ajax in 2020 – came close to joining PSG in January. Ziyech’s loan move collapsed when Chelsea repeatedly filed the wrong paperwork.

 The winter window deadline passed before the error was corrected, leaving the Moroccan fuming at the debacle. PSG’s interest is understood to have remained, though according to Football Italia, a different move to Serie A could await.

They claim Ziyech is ‘almost certain’ to leave Chelsea this summer and Roma and AC Milan have both shown interest. Whether a loan or permanent move would be explored isn’t stated.

Koulibaly too could move to Italy. Much was expected of the Senegalese who was a veritable colossus at Napoli, though by and large he’s not lived up to the hype since joining Chelsea.

Juventus are hunting an experienced and established centre-back this summer and per Gazzetta dello Sport, Koulibaly is in their sights.

The Evening Standard declared Chelsea are ‘ready to cash in’ on the 31-year-old. However, his high salary will make it difficult for suitors like Juventus to match the player’s personal terms.