Chelsea ‘will back’ Enzo Maresca with four crucial signings to transform the team
Following a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League, Chelsea is set to undergo a significant transformation under new manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian, who has impressed in his stint at Leicester City, is expected to be backed by four key signings in the summer transfer window. Top of the list is Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen, who has a reported release clause of £113 million. Chelsea is also eyeing Burnley’s James Trafford, a goalkeeper known for his ability to play out from the back, a trait highly valued by Maresca. Additionally, the Blues are tracking Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo, a soon-to-be free agent, and an unnamed left-back. However, to facilitate these signings, Chelsea must first offload some players to comply with the Premier League’s financial regulations, putting players like Conor Gallagher, Ian Maatsen, Armando Broja, and Trevoh Chalobah at risk of being sold.
Maresca’s appointment comes after Mauricio Pochettino’s departure, following a subpar season that saw Chelsea win their last five league matches but still miss out on a top-six finish. The new manager is expected to bring a fresh perspective and tactical approach to the team, and these signings are seen as crucial to his plans.
The move for Osimhen is particularly significant, given his impressive goal-scoring record in Serie A and his reported desire to play in the Premier League. Chelsea’s willingness to trigger his release clause suggests they are serious about landing a top-class striker.
Meanwhile, the pursuit of Trafford and Adarabioyo highlights Maresca’s focus on building a solid defense, capable of playing out from the back and absorbing pressure. The addition of a left-back, yet to be named, will further bolster the team’s defensive options.
However, Chelsea’s spending spree will only be possible if they can offload some of their existing players to balance their books. This could lead to a busy summer of transfer activity, as the club looks to reshape its squad and meet the financial requirements of the Premier League.
Overall, the appointment of Maresca and the expected signings signal a new era for Chelsea, one that promises to be exciting and potentially successful. With a fresh manager and new players, the Blues will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and challenge for top honors in the Premier League.