ROMANO REVEALS CHELSEA’S TRANSFER PLANS – INCLUDING ONE ‘HERE WE GO’** FOOTBALL TRANSFER EXPERT FABRIZIO ROMANO HAS OUTLINED CHELSEA’S FULL TRANSFER PLANS, GIVING BLUES FANS A DETAILED PREVIEW OF WHAT TO EXPECT THIS SUMMER.
Enzo Maresca’s appointment as Chelsea’s new head coach is poised to expedite their transfer plans, with the club eyeing four new signings. Maresca, who previously managed Leicester City and worked as an assistant under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, is anticipated to be confirmed as Chelsea’s head coach shortly. The 44-year-old Italian has agreed to a five-year contract, with Chelsea compensating Leicester £10 million for his services.
Chelsea is preparing for a busy summer transfer window. Although Maresca will not have complete control over player acquisitions, his input will be significant, with ongoing discussions already taking place. Reflecting Maresca’s tactical preferences, Chelsea is focusing on acquiring a new goalkeeper, centre-back, left-back, and forward.
Maresca prefers goalkeepers capable of acting as playmakers, similar to City’s Ederson. Despite Djordje Petrovic’s solid performances since replacing Robert Sanchez, the 24-year-old is not viewed as a long-term solution. Chelsea is considering Burnley’s James Trafford as a potential option.
In defense, Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo are targets. Adarabioyo, whose contract expires next month, is also sought after by Newcastle and Manchester United. The need for a new centre-back has increased following Thiago Silva’s announcement of his departure from Stamford Bridge to join his boyhood club Fluminense.
Chelsea is also in the market for a top-level striker, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who netted 17 goals in 32 appearances last season, drawing considerable interest from the Blues and other top European clubs.
Securing a new left-back is another priority. Maresca prefers full-backs who can transition into midfield during attacks. Chelsea had been monitoring Feyenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman, but the 22-year-old is sidelined with a knee injury until next year. Current Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen is set to make his loan move to Borussia Dortmund permanent.
Chelsea must adhere to Premier League profit and sustainability rules, a requirement the club’s leadership insists is manageable. Nonetheless, this necessitates a squad clear-out before June 30. Forward Armando Broja is expected to leave, and midfielder Conor Gallagher has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
