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Chelsea appointed Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement at the start of last month. The Argentinian manager was removed from his position following an unimpressive 2023-24 season, where his team finished sixth in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, a former agent has backed the Blues to have a busy time this summer. Elsewhere, Newcastle United have set their sights on an English forward.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from July 27, 2024.
Chelsea backed for a busy summer by former agent
Former agent Jon Smith believes that Chelsea are likely to have a busy summer in the transfer window this summer. New manager Enzo Maresca has roped in multiple new faces this summer, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tosin Adarabioyo.
However, the Italian is expected to seek further improvements on a squad that finished sixth in the Premier League last season. The Blues were largely unimpressive last campaign and a spending spree in recent windows has left them with a bloated squad.
Maresca is likely to offload players and trim his squad before the start of the new campaign. A new striker and a goalkeeper are currently on his agenda, according to recent reports.
In his column for Caught Offside, Smith pointed out that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen could be a fine option for the London giants.
“Chelsea have got a lot of business to do because they need to sell some players, so it’s just a matter of who goes and when. It’s probably going to be the youngest guys in the system, because that system is better for Chelsea’s return on investment,” wrote Smith.
He continued:
“I think I’ve said it before, Victor Osimhen would fit so well for Chelsea and there’s been rumours that Napoli might let him go."
Osimhen reportedly prefers a move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who are also hot on his heels this summer.
Newcastle United reach Noni Madueke agreement
Newcastle United have agreed personal terms with Noni Madueke ahead of a move this summer, according to Football Insider. The English forward has been a disappointment since arriving at Chelsea last year.
Madueke is no longer part of plans for the Blues, who are already eyeing attacking reinforcements. The Magpies are keeping a close eye on the situation and have already convinced the player to move to St. James'. However, they are yet to submit an official proposal with the London giants.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall heaps praise on Enzo Maresca
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has admitted that Enzo Maresca played a big role in his arrival at Chelsea this summer. The English midfielder followed the Italian manager to Stamford Bridge from Leicester City this summer.
Dewsbury-Hall was outstanding under Maresca last season, registering 12 goals and 15 assists from 49 games across competitions. The 25-year-old's efforts prompted the Blues to move in early for him and secure his services at the start of the summer.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Dewsbury-Hall was full of praise for Maresca:
“The manager was a big catalyst in wanting me to come. I knew from Leicester, a club that went down and had a lot of problems, how he managed to galvanise that, if everyone manages to buy into the system."
He continued:
“I genuinely think in a short space of time we can be pushing for minimum top four – but more than that. He may be unknown for a lot of people, but he is top, top level. He will surprise a lot of people.”
The Englishman added that his new teammates are responding well to Maresca's tactics:
“Within the first week at Leicester, I was convinced this was top, top level. I felt a bit stupid, I thought I knew a lot about football but he was teaching me things on a daily basis that I didn’t really know before. He has an aura, he can be strict, or gentle and soft – he has both sides."
He concluded:
“I am getting the same feedback here with the lads. They’ve bought into it here from minute one which is exciting. With a system and philosophy you need everyone to buy in because, if they do, you can really achieve something.”
Maresca will be expected to play exciting football and fight for trophies, something his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino failed to do.
