His performances in pre-season have gone somewhat under the radar after Ian Maatsen and Nicolas Jackson stole the limelight, but the youngster’s mature performances on the right flank have been documented by the Argentinian boss.
The plan was for Angelo to head on loan to Strasbourg – Chelsea’s new feeder club in Ligue 1 – to help him gain experience of first-team football in Europe. But Pochettino is now reportedly keen to keep Angelo in his squad after being dazzled by his performances.
If Angelo stays, it could affect Chelsea’s business going forward – and that could see them scrap a move for Kudus, with Moises Caicedo very much Pochettino’s main target to bring in before the start of the season on August 13.
The door would then be left open for Arsenal to pick up where Chelsea left off and secure a deal to reunite Kudus with Timber at the Emirates Stadium, should Arteta decide to instruct sporting director Edu to get the deal done. With five or six new signings improving their depth, it could prove to be the difference in toppling City and ending their domination of English football.