Enzo Maresca is set to become the new Chelsea manager (Image: Leicester City FC via Getty Imag)
Enzo Maresca, the manager of Leicester City, will take over as the Blues’ new head coach after Mauricio Pochettino left by mutual consent last week.
Plans for transfers will advance with the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the new Chelsea head coach, and four new players are expected to be signed.
The announcement of former Foxes manager Maresca’s appointment is expected soon, as the final details of a contract for the Italian coach are being finalized. After Chelsea and Championship winners Leicester agreed to a Β£10 million compensation package, Maresca, 44, signed a five-year contract.
Chelsea is expected to have a busy summer, as has become the norm. Even though Maresca won’t have complete control over transfers in and out, Chelsea’s management will likely value his opinion, as talks are supposedly already taking place between the parties. The Blues are looking to add a goalkeeper, center back, left back, and forward this summer to fit with Maresca’s style of play.
Maresca, a former assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, favors goalkeepers who can also act as playmakers, like Ederson does for the Premier League winners. After replacing Robert Sanchez in goal halfway through the season, former New England Revolution keeper Djordje Petrovic did well to establish himself in the net; however, Maresca does not see the 24-year-old as a long-term solution or as someone who can fully fit the mold he has in mind.
James Trafford of Burnley is a player the team is thinking about adding. Along with Ronald Araujo at Barcelona, Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo is reportedly another defender being considered. When Adarabioyo’s contract expires next month, Newcastle and Manchester United will be vying for his services because of his high demand.
Since veteran Thiago Silva announced he was leaving Stamford Bridge to join his boyhood club, Fluminense, the need for a center-back has increased.
Striker Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move to a number of top European clubs after his exploits with Napoli this season ( Image: AFP via Getty Images)
After some lackluster performances in the front line, a top-tier striker is still the Blues’ top priority. Victor Osimhen, a striker for Napoli who has made 32 appearances across all competitions and scored 17 goals, has drawn serious interest from the Blues as well as a number of elite European teams.
Another top priority for this summer is a left-back. During attacking phases, Maresca likes his full-backs to move inside to midfield. Quilindschy Harman, a promising left back for Feyenoord, was being watched by the Blues. However, due to a knee injury, the 22-year-old will not be available until next season.
Ian Maatsen, the left back for Chelsea right now, is expected to make the permanent loan move to Borussia Dortmund.
The Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations will need to be followed by Chelsea, but the club’s executive team has consistently stated that this is not a cause for concern. However, the requirement to comply should also expedite the club’s preparations for a clearance by June 30. Moving forward Along with midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has drawn interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, Armando Broja is also rumored to be leaving.
