Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Chelsea want to sign a centre-forward before the transfer deadline.
Chelsea have brought in 10 new players during another active transfer window this summer, after completing the signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid for a fee that could reach £45m.
Despite the return of the club’s former forward to West London, Maresca has said Chelsea remain on the hunt for a number nine that can ‘make the difference’. The transfer window closes for Premier League clubs on August 30.
“If we have the chance to bring in a nine that can help us and make the difference then we are gonna try.” Maresca said ahead of this weekend’s trip to Wolves.
Who could Chelsea sign before the deadline?
Victor Osimhen has been named as a potential transfer target for Chelsea with the Blues having held talks with Napoli over a deal for the Nigerian forward. Osimhen is keen to leave Napoli after four prolific seasons with the club and has expressed interest in a transfer to the Premier League.
However, Chelsea look unlikely to meet Napoli’s asking price of around £86m, while Osimhen is only open to a loan move if it contains a mandatory purchase options. The 25-year-old’s wages could also prove to be prohibitive to a deal.
Chelsea had agreed a fee with Atletico Madrid for Samu Omorodion earlier in the transfer window but saw a deal break down.
Where will Joao Felix fit in at Chelsea?
Maresca has confirmed that recent recruit Felix, who spent the second half of 2022/23 on loan at Chelsea, is available to make his second debut for the Blues at Wolves.
“He is available and for sure he can get chances to play,” Maresca said.
“In terms of knowing the way we’re going to play, he is probably not ready yet. In terms of physicality, he is ready because he was already playing games there, so it’s just to understand if he needs more time to understand the way we’re going to play. But, overall, I think he can play.
“He is a player that is going to help us,’ added Maresca. ‘Potentially he is a top player, no doubt. I know Joao for many years. Working with him day by day, I will know him even better. We are going to try to help him improve and see if he can take one step forward to reach the level of the [very best] players.”
