EXCL: Chelsea rejected forward offers, Man Utd happy with impact of two signings, thoughts on Arsenal links with Premier League star & more

Today's exclusive column, featuring Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal and more!

Chelsea disappointed but remain focused on long-term project

Mauricio Pochettino’s difficult start at Chelsea continued yesterday with a 1-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa. It’s not his fault, it’s the general situation at the club, and he made it clear before the Villa game that this is a long-term project.

Still, we have to acknowledge that they’ve lost another game and it’s not an easy moment for Chelsea. Ollie Watkins scored the winner at Stamford Bridge, and the result leaves the Blues 14th in the table with just one win and just five goals scored in their opening six games.

No one is happy with the current situation, but the message from the club remains the same - this is a long-term project, it’s a process that will take time. I can honestly say I’m not surprised by the situation because it’s a very young squad and it’s a project that will take time. It was not possible to think that many young players could make an impact in one or two months. Of course this is not positive as Chelsea are an ambitious club and expect to be on a different level, but this is the reality: it takes time.