CHELSEA want to back Enzo Maresca with at least four key signings this summer – but must fix their financial issues first.
The Blues are up against it to meet Profit and Sustainability rules and must make sales before the June 30 deadline in order to support their new boss.
Maresca will be confirmed as the new manager at Stamford Bridge this week after agreeing a five-year deal.
And the Italian wants to strengthen across the pitch once he is in post.
A new goalkeeper who is adept at playing out from the back is seen as a priority, with neither Djordje Petrovic or Robert Sanchez seen as capable of doing so.
James Trafford is an option following Burnley‘s relegation from the Premier League.
Chelsea also want to add a new central defender, left-back and striker this summer.
There is longstanding interest in Napoli star Victor Osimhen – who has a £113million release clause.
Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli this summer, though a move to Chelsea is not considered a priority by those close to the Nigerian.
The Blues have tracked the striker for a number of years without formalising their interest, while Premier League rivals Arsenal are also keen.
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Paris Saint-Germain remains an option.
But before the Blues get to their wish list of incomings, funds must be raised by selling some homegrown stars.
Conor Gallagher has drawn interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham though would rather stay at Stamford Bridge.
Armando Broja, Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah are all likely to be sold.
However, Broja’s disastrous loan with Fulham last season will see Chelsea have to go below their original asking price of £30million.
The Albania international has interest from the Premier League and across Europe – but all are waiting to find out the club’s valuation.
Chalobah has attracted interest in the Premier League too but there are issues over his wage demands.
Defender Levi Colwill – another academy graduate – is liked by Liverpool, though Chelsea insist that he is not for sale.
Their hand may be forced over the England international if other homegrown players cannot be sold, though.
Clubs looking to sign from Stamford Bridge are hopeful of forcing the Blues to drop their asking prices before the June 30 deadline due to their PSR problems.
Chelsea have been offered Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer following the end of his Fulham deal.
The 26-year-old has also attracted interest from Newcastle, who have already agreed a deal to sign Lloyd Kelly, and Tottenham – though high wage and agent fee demands are slowing the process of a move.
Maresca will be involved in transfer dealings but the majority of deals will be dealt with by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart – while co-owner Behdad Eghbali remains heavily involved in decision making.
Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.
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