NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Enzo Maresca has singled out a Chelsea pariah as a player he was looking for in talks with the club’s board ahead of his appointment as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor.
After watching Roberto De Zerbi and Miguel Amorim, Chelsea finally chose as their new signing the boy who organised Leicester City’s promotion crusade.
“Joining Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. That’s why I’m so excited about this opportunity,” said the new Les Bleus coach after his appointment was confirmed.
“I look forward to running with a very talented player organization and expanding a team that continues the club’s culture of good fortune and makes our enthusiasts proud. “
Now firmly settled in his new role, Maresca expects senior hiring managers to move forward in their attempts to bolster a team that finished last season on a noteworthy note.
A new goalkeeper would have been a priority, Maresca, according to Fabrizio Romano, is interested in working with Robert Sanchez.
Spain joined the Blues last summer from Brighton following the decision to sanction the departures of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalga.
Sanchez got off to an encouraging start, but betting on such a volatile defence seemed to weaken his confidence before he made several high-profile mistakes.
The 26-year-old was injured in the defeat to Everton in December and has struggled to regain his position after returning to top form with Djordje Petrovic impressing in his absence.
In fact, Sanchez’s two appearances after the start of the year were FA Cup wins over Leeds United and Leicester City, but he returned to the bench for a semi-final defeat to Manchester City.
Chelsea have already been linked with goalkeeping moves this summer, adding Mads Hermansen from Leicester, but it looks like Maresca will give Sanchez a chance to regain his place.
Meanwhile, the Blues are looking for defensive reinforcements following the loss of Thiago Silva and are on the verge of closing a deal to sign Adarabioyo from Fulham on a flexible transfer.
A new striker is also a priority, however, a move through Victor Osimhen from Napoli has been shelved due to the most likely position and Chelsea can still reignite interest in Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko.
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