Chelsea’s new manager Enzo Maresca lists four signings that could transform Chelsea as Todd Boehly ruthlessly puts up nine players for sale

Todd Boehly was briefed by incoming Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca on the four acquisitions he believes are necessary to propel the Blues back into the top four. Among these, luminary Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville appears to be the most desired.

The Blues are making preparations for what seems to be another turbulent summer as Italian coach Maresca extends his contract at Stamford Bridge through the summer of 2029. And despite the fact that Boehly’s compensation is limited to one season due to a contract release clause, Chelsea are confident that they have acquired a forward-thinking, potent coach who can assist the club in reaching the next level.

Although some may have been surprised by Mauricio Pochettino’s dismissal (although TEAMtalk readers would have guessed it was inevitable given Blues co-owner Behdad Eghbali’s conviction that Pochettino had largely fallen short of expectations despite a top-six finish and a cup final appearance), the club has at least moved swiftly to secure a replacement.

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Although Maresca’s interview effectively conveyed his vision for the Blues and impressed both Boehly and Eghbali, the Italian’s responsibilities will be primarily limited to first-team affairs, as Chelsea’s transfer policy remains firmly under the control of those in positions of authority above him.

However, Maresca will undoubtedly be consulted regarding potential transactions, and it is believed he has suggested four acquisitions for this summer in an effort to further fortify their squad and propel them to the next level.

In pursuit of this objective, the Italian would ideally acquire a new striker, winger, goalkeeper, or center-back.

Transfers: Crysencio Summerville is a primary objective for Chelsea.
Maresca has advised Chelsea to initiate the transfer process for Summerville, the EFL’s Player of the Year, who excelled at Leeds United during his tenure under Daniel Farke.

After accumulating 21 goals and 10 assists, the winger became the first Leeds player to achieve double figures in both goals scored and assists accumulated since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in 1998/99.

In the end, Leeds were unable to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League, despite amassing 90 points – the most without achieving automatic promotion in the second tier since Sunderland accomplished the same feat in 1997/98 – and suffering a crushing 1-0 loss to Southampton in Sunday’s play-off final.

Summerville is regarded as one of Leeds’ most valuable assets; consequently, the club will likely be compelled to contemplate a few high-profile transactions this summer in order to satisfy its financial obligations.

Despite failing to secure promotion, Leeds remain optimistic that the Dutch winger can be acquired for approximately £30 million. Moreover, since TEAMtalk reported earlier this year that Chelsea was interested in Summerville, it is our understanding that the Blues will make every effort to acquire the 22-year-old this summer.

Maresca desires an alternative winger, possibly to replace Raheem Sterling, whom the Blues are actively seeking to trade, and the Leeds player suits their transfer philosophy admirably.

A Fulham icon consents to a Chelsea transfer.
In addition, Maresca advised Chelsea to strengthen their attack, central defense, and goalkeeping positions with the acquisition of three more players this summer.

One positive development for the Blues is that the first of these is approaching quickly, as Chelsea have surpassed Newcastle in the quest to acquire Tosin Adarabioyo.

Since his summer 2020 transfer from Manchester City to Craven Cottage, the Fulham player has established himself as an exceptional central defender. Nevertheless, as his four-year contract nears its termination, the 26-year-old becomes eligible to transfer freely this summer.

Following negotiations with Newcastle, Adarabioyo reached a verbal agreement with the Magpies; however, prior to finalizing the contract, the Magpies requested his presence.

TEAMtalk has been informed by sources with close ties to Adarabioyo that he has accepted a contract with Chelsea, concluding the brief transfer from south-west London to Stamford Bridge.

Considered the ideal replacement for Thiago Silva, who departed to join Fluminense, the transfer is not yet finalized, as Newcastle is still vying to complete the transaction. However, it is believed that Adarabioyo would rather play for Chelsea, which makes them the current favorites to secure his signature.

Goalkeeper and striker are also desired by Maresca.
Two names have recently come to the forefront, and Chelsea will feel more assured about spending a substantial amount of money on a new center-forward this summer, thanks to the funds conserved from the acquisition of Adarabioyo.

According to our knowledge, Maresca has advised RB Leipzig to pursue the acquisition of forward Benjamin Sesko, whose counsel has spent the last few months in England attempting to negotiate a contract on his client’s behalf.

Due to a €65 million (£55.4 million) exit clause in his contract, Leipzig faces a formidable challenge in retaining the services of the 20-year-old, as Arsenal is also strongly interested.

TEAMtalk has information indicating that Victor Osimhen continues to be Chelsea’s top choice and that the Blues hierarchy are not ruling out a deal for the formidable Napoli forward if they can first balance the accounts through a series of sales.

With the Serie A club refusing to negotiate the €120 million (£102 million) exit clause, the Nigerian represents a formidable obstacle for Chelsea to surmount in order to complete the transfer.

However, he remains a significant factor in their considerations, and Boehly regards his acquisition as a possible element that is absent from the puzzle at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are also in search of a new goalkeeper and are evaluating three candidates: Filip Jorgensen of Villarreal, Georgi Mamardashvilli of Valencia, and Diogo Costa of Porto.

Maresca is more enthusiastic about Jorgensen than the other two due to his dexterity with the ball at his feet.

Boehly instructs nine Chelsea players to depart.
However, due to their inability to qualify for the Champions League, Chelsea will be compelled to transfer players this summer in order to adhere to the Premier League’s stringent FFP restrictions.

And despite the fact that the Blues are averse to selling on domestic prospects due to the perception that such transactions are “pure profit,” Boehly remains eager to transfer Conor Gallagher this summer.

In fact, Pochettino was dissatisfied with that decision to attempt to transfer the England international on, as he had relied heavily on the midfielder during the previous campaign.

Given that Gallagher had worn the insignia on multiple occasions during the extended absences of Ben Chilwell and Reece James, it is certain that his departure would generate considerable controversy. Nevertheless, Chelsea will likely deem a £50 million offer too enticing to refuse, and his sale this summer remains probable.

However, he will not be the sole domestic prodigy to depart; Trevoh Chalobah, Ian Maatsen, Armando Broja, and Omari Hutchison, who is the target of a £20 million offer from Ipswich, are also expected to depart.

The Blues are reportedly interested in moving on with Sterling as well; his enormous £340,000 per week contract has proven to be a financial burden.

Furthermore, Boehly will grant authorization for the departures of Romelu Lukaku, who is on loan from Roma, Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was Real Madrid’s third-string goalkeeper, and Malang Sarr, who was not even assigned a squad number during the previous season.