John Obi Mikel backs Chelsea to sign two Man Utd stars and build Europe's best young squad

 John Obi Mikel would welcome the arrivals of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho at Chelsea to join the Blues’ army of young stars.

Chelsea’s first season under Enzo Maresca ended in success, securing Champions League qualification through a fourth-place finish and bagging the Europa Conference League trophy to boot.

Youth shone through with Chelsea officially the youngest team in Premier League history – the average age of their starting XIs during the course of the campaign was just 24 years and 36 days.

There will be more new kids on the block in the coming weeks. Liam Delap is poised to arrive from Ipswich Town and will be joined by Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian, two of the brightest young talents in South American football. Delap is the old man of that group at the ripe old age of 22 with Geovany Quenda also set to arrive from Sporting CP next year.

He is expected to arrive in time to play a part in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, kicking off on 16 June against Los Angeles FC with Mikel part of DAZN’s broadcast team leading coverage for the revamped competition.

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The recruitment drive is expected to continue beyond that. Chelsea explored a move for Garnacho in January and have also been credited with interest in another of their burgeoning stars in Mainoo. Both could be available this summer, although there is a growing sense the England international will remain in Manchester.  

Amid a backdrop of chaos at Old Trafford this season, Mainoo has struggled to reach the heights of his breakout campaign under Erik ten Hag. Garnacho meanwhile may have sealed his own fate with his public criticism of Ruben Amorim that followed the Europa League final.

Garnacho and Mainoo will improve Chelsea despite recent struggles

With Chelsea a blossoming environment for youngsters, former Blues star Mikel is confident both players would thrive at Chelsea as they look to take the next step and challenge for the Premier League and Champions League next season.