Transfer Centre

Enzo Maresca 'will not have control over transfers as Chelsea set target areas to improve'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 29 May 2024

Maresca 'will not have control over transfers as Chelsea set target positions'

Incoming Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will reportedly only have a partial input on transfers when he arrives at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have reportedly decided how to manage Enzo Maresca's input on transfers and which areas they feel need improving ahead of 2024-25.

Just over a week ago, the Blues reached a mutual decision with Mauricio Pochettino for the head coach to depart his role at Stamford Bridge.

However, Chelsea's co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, as well as co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, have wasted no time in moving for an alternative.

Several days of negotiations are expected to conclude with Leicester City boss Maresca penning a contract of at least five years before the end of the week.

The club's hierarchy are said to feel they have secured the ideal candidate to fit into their desired business model and to deploy their preferred style of play, which is possession-based football.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly before the match on April 18, 2023 © Reuters

Maresca transfer influence to be limited

Despite reportedly being wholeheartedly impressed with what Maresca can offer Chelsea, it appears there will be some restrictions placed on the 44-year-old.

According to reporter Nick Purewal of the Evening Standard, Maresca will not have control over which players will arrive at Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

Instead, his input will be taken on board in the hope that the relevant parts of Chelsea's structure can cooperate in order to deliver success on the pitch.

The report adds that Chelsea are currently in the market to strengthen four positions in their squad, with some names having been specifically placed on their shortlist.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring their first goal on February 21, 2024 © Reuters

Osimhen spearheads Chelsea transfer wishes

Chelsea are said to want to acquire the services of a new goalkeeper, centre-back, left-back and centre-forward ahead of the new season.

Despite their well-documented issues with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations, as well as UEFA's, Napoli forward Victor Osimhen remains their priority target for the attack.

Meanwhile, as per reports elsewhere, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo could also move to the club, the latter being available on a free transfer.

With regards to a left-back, Marc Cucurella excelled during the final weeks of Pochettino's reign, with Ben Chilwell potentially facing a fight for his future.

Djordje Petrovic is another to impress, the goalkeeper having proven value for money since arriving from New England Revolution, but the current perception is that Maresca would prefer to upgrade to a stopper who is better with the ball at his feet in order to start attacks.