Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues want Enzo Maresca, club eyeing Fulham ace, and more - May 28, 2024
Chelsea are preparing to invest in the squad this summer after another underwhelming season. The Blues finished sixth in the Premier League, ending the campaign without silverware and have already parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino.
Meanwhile, the London giants are eager to appoint Enzo Maresca as their next manager. Elsewhere, the club are interested in Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer news from May 28, 2024.
Chelsea want Enzo Maresca, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are locked in talks to sign Enzo Maresca this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Blues are looking for their next manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino last week. Recent reports have suggested that outgoing Barcelona manager Xavi has been identified as a successor for the Argentinean.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano has refuted those claims.
“We keep hearing so many stories about the Chelsea manager situation, which is normal of course after the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, and with so many other clubs also changing managers this summer, but I wanted to clarify some things here,” Romano wrote.
He continued:
"Xavi has also been linked with the Chelsea job but again I’m not hearing anything concrete on that one. Xavi is open to opportunities after leaving Barcelona, but at the moment it’s all quiet there and I have no news on any talks taking place or being planned with Chelsea."
The transfer guru confirmed that the London giants have their eyes on Leicester City manager Maresca, who is also eager to move to Stamford Bridge.
“So, the situation is that Chelsea are interested in Enzo Maresca and he’s also interested in the Chelsea job after positive contacts took place over the weekend. It’s now up to Chelsea – decision time is coming soon, and Leicester are waiting to see what happens there before they then decide on who to hire as a replacement,” Romano wrote.
Maresca helped the Foxes win the Championship this season and earn promotion to the Premier League.
Blues eyeing Tosin Adarabioyo
Chelsea have entered the race to sign Tosin Adarabioyo this summer, according to HITC. The English defender's contract with Fulham is set to expire next month and he won't sign a new deal at Craven Cottage. Adarabioyo is proven in the Premier League and his situation has already generated interest from Newcastle United and Manchester United. The Blues have now joined the party.
The London giants parted ways with Thiago Silva at the end of this season, with the player all set to rejoin former club Fluminense as a free agent. Chelsea are looking for the legendary Brazilian's replacement this summer and have identified Adarabioyo as an option. His availability on a Bosman move makes the deal even more lucrative.
Chelsea interested in Samu Omorodion
Chelsea have set their sights on Samu Omorodion, according to Caught Offside. The Spanish striker has caught the eye out on loan this season at Deportivo Alavés from Atletico Madrid. Omorodion has registered nine goals and one assist from 36 outings across competitions. The Blues are looking for a new No. 9 this summer and the 20-year-old has popped up on their radar.
The London giants roped in Nicolas Jackson last year, but the Senegalese striker hasn't lived up to expectations. Omorodion could be an upgrade, but prising him away won't be easy. Los Rojiblancos would prefer to keep hold of the Spaniard, but are likely to let him go for €60m. However, there's rising competition for his services, with West Ham United, Napoli, AS Roma and Crystal Palace also keen on signing him this year.