Chelsea accelerate transfer plans with four signings and three targeted exits

The appointment of Enzo Maresca as Chelsea head coach will take transfer plans forward with four new signings set to be made.

The appointment of former Foxes boss Maresca is set to be announced imminently, with the finishing touches being put on a deal for the Italian manager. Maresca, 44, agreed a five-year deal after Chelsea paid a £10m compensation package with Championship winners Leicester.

As has become the norm with Chelsea, the summer is expected to be a busy one. And while Maresca will not have carte blanche in terms of comings and goings, his input will be wanted by Chelsea’s hierarchy, with talks reportedly already underway between the parties. In line with Maresca’s style of play, the Blues are looking for a new goalkeeper, centre-back, left-back and striker this summer.

A former assistant at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, Maresca prefers goalkeepers who can shine as playmakers, just like the Premier League champions in Ederson. Former New England Revolutionary Guard Djordje Petrovic has done well to establish himself between the sticks midway through this season after taking the gloves from Robert Sanchez, but the 24-year-old is not seen as a long-term solution nor does he adequately fit the mold that Maresca has it in mind.

Burnley’s James Trafford is a name the club are considering bringing in. Meanwhile, Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo is also on the list of defenders being considered, alongside Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. Adarabioyo is in high demand, with Newcastle and Manchester United pushing for his services when his contract expires next month.

The need for a centre-back has increased after veteran Thiago Silva announced he will be leaving Stamford Bridge to join his boyhood club Fluminense.

A top-class forward remains top of the list for the Blues after a couple of disappointing displays in the front line. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who has scored 17 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions, has attracted severe interest from the Blues, along with a host of top European clubs.

A left-back is also a priority this summer. Maresca prefers his defenders to move into the middle of the pitch in the attacking phases. The Blues are keeping tabs on promising Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Harman, but the 22-year-old is out until next year with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, current Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen is set to make his loan move to Borussia Dortmund permanent.

Chelsea will have to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, a requirement that the club’s management have repeatedly insisted is not an issue of concern. However, the need to comply should also accelerate the club’s plans for a release before June 30. Striker Armando Broja is a player believed to be leaving, along with midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

Join our new WhatsApp community A and get your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out anytime you want. If you are curious, you can read Privacy Notice.