Chelsea Sets Its Sights On Maresca For Head Coach

By: Gyang Dakwo

Chelsea are closing in on Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, with the Leicester boss now in prime position to succeed Mauricio Pochettino.

The Blues have been impressed by the depth and breadth of his knowledge about their squad in talks with his representatives, and are impressed by his single-minded focus on the way Chelsea want to play and his desire for the job.

His obsession with possession and positional play have made him the leading candidate.

He is now their preferred choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino, and Chelsea have asked for Leicester for permission to speak with the 44-year-old.

An appointment could be made in the next few days if and when an agreement is reached with Leicester over compensation. Chelsea are willing to pay compensation, with a fee of around £10m expected.

Erstwhile candidate, Kieran McKenna was told by phone on Sunday that Chelsea were looking elsewhere but they are great admirers of his achievements at Ipswich Town.

They also like and respect Thomas Frank and everything he has done at Brentford, while Roberto De Zerbi was also a leading candidate with what they consider a very impressive CV.

The new Chelsea head coach will sign a contract which will be longer than the two-year deal Pochettino accepted last summer, before he left the club by mutual consent last week.

Chelsea expect to be busy in the transfer market this summer with players coming and going. Trading is likely to see the signing of a new No 9 and centre-back, while the futures of high-earners such as Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga need to be resolved.