Enzo Maresca has signed a five-year contract at Chelsea ahead of being officially confirmed as the club’s new manager, according to reports. Maresca, a former disciple of Pep Guardiola, is set to become Chelsea’s sixth permanent boss in the last five seasons.
The Italian will arrive in west London after successfully guiding Leicester City back to the Premier League at the first attempt. The Foxes accumulated 97 points under his guidance to finish top of the Championship, one point ahead of second-placed Ipswich Town.
According to The Athletic, Maresca has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Chelsea set to confirm his appointment on Monday. The deal reportedly includes a club-held option to extend it by a further 12 months.
The report adds that Maresca will bring six of his own staff to Stamford Bridge, with Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello also set to join the Blues.
Leicester are poised to receive around £10million in compensation in exchange for Maresca’s signature. Chelsea are said to be sensitive to the disruption caused to the Foxes, with Blues chiefs appreciative of the ‘class and professionalism’ they have shown throughout.
Chelsea were granted permission to speak to Maresca earlier this week, with the two parties quickly reaching an agreement on personal terms. Steve Cooper, Graham Potter and Ruud van Nistelrooy have been touted as the early favourites to replace Maresca at the King Power Stadium.
It has already been reported by The Telegraph that Maresca is eager to sign a new goalkeeper upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge. The former Manchester City assistant coach is also believed to be keen on recruiting another left-back as well as at least one new forward player.
Chelsea have already agreed their first summer signing with Palmeiras teenager Estevao Willian set to join the Blues for a fee in the region of £51.4m. The winger is regarded as one of the best young talents in Brazil and will become the most expensive teenage player from South America when his move to Chelsea is confirmed.
A number of players are likely to leave Chelsea over the coming months, with Conor Gallagher said to be a target for Tottenham and Aston Villa. Ian Maatsen is also thought to be admired by Borussia Dortmund, who are reportedly exploring a permanent move for his services following his successful loan spell in Germany.
