Almost three months after Graham Potter was sacked, Chelsea have finally landed on Pochettino as the right candidate to try and take the club forward. A lengthy hunt for the former Brighton boss' permanent successor included links to the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique.

But Pochettino became the front-runner several weeks ago and he is now in line to make his return to the Premier League in 2023/24, having been absent from English football since leaving Tottenham four years ago.

As part of an official statement released by Chelsea on Monday, co-owner Todd Boehly said: "The sporting team conducted a diligent and thoughtful process that the Board is proud of. We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea. Mauricio is a world-class coach with an outstanding track record. We are all looking forward to having him on board."

Meanwhile Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, the Blues' joint sporting directors, added: "Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward.

"He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate."

Pochettino began his managerial career with Espanyol in 2009 before bursting onto the Premier League scene withh Southampton four years later. Fans will hope that his notorious man-management skills can help to restore unity in the dressing room.

Working with co-transfer chiefs Stewart and Winstanley, Pochettino has numerous important matters to deal with over the summer, including the future of exit-linked star Mason Mount and loaned-out striker Romelu Lukaku.