Enzo Maresca led Chelsea to Conference League glory (Image: Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca is set to receive substantial backing in the transfer market this summer as he aims to add to his first Chelsea trophy. Maresca has won the admiration of joint owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali by guiding the team to the Europa Conference League and securing a return to the Champions League. This success has bolstered their financial clout for the upcoming transfer window, and the Chelsea board are convinced that Maresca is the best candidate to lead the club into the future.
Their sights are set on recruiting a new striker, with Ipswich's Liam Delap topping their wish list. Chelsea are the frontrunners in the race to sign him ahead of Manchester United. Chelsea also have an interest in RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko and could potentially compete with long-time admirers Arsenal for the Slovenian centre-forward's signature if they cannot do a deal for Delap. They've also shown interest in Eintracht Frankfurt's £90million-rated Hugo Ekitike.
This could cast uncertainty over Nicolas Jackson's future at the club, but Chelsea remain supportive of him, while also seeking to introduce competition and bolster their attacking options.
Chelsea are also scouting for a central defender, having previously pursued Dean Huijsen before the Spanish international agreed to a £50m move from Bournemouth to Real Madrid.
Maresca is particularly fond of English defender Marc Guehi, a product of Chelsea's academy, which puts Crystal Palace in a difficult position as his contract only has one year remaining. Newcastle United have also expressed interest and are strong contenders for Guehi, who embodies the leadership qualities desired by Chelsea in a centre-half.
Chelsea are aware that the £100m windfall from Champions League football, coupled with the allure of playing on Europe's premier stage, gives them an edge.
They also have Brazil's teenage sensation Estevao Willian joining from Palmeiras, with Premier League rivals believing that the winger could be ready for English football immediately and could be his country's top prospect.
Behdad Eghbal and Todd Boehly are firm backers of Enzo Maresca (Image: Getty Images)
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Maresca is expected to work with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has shown improvement in recent months, despite fans being less convinced about the club's No. 1.
However, qualifying for the Champions League and the prestige of becoming the first club to win a clean sweep of UEFA's four major trophies has given Maresca a significant boost.
The hierarchy have stood by the former Leicester boss, even when fans and pundits have expressed doubts about his style of play, whether he has a big enough personality for a club like Chelsea, and whether he is the right long-term option.
But Maresca has met expectations this season and still has the Club World Cup to look forward to in the United States this summer, and the substantial prize money on offer could provide another significant boost towards signings.
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