The Blues ‘accepted deal’ with top manager target

Chelsea reportedly signed Enzo Maresca, a former Manchester City assistant who is well-liked by Chelsea supporters.
Leicester deal includes a release clause of roughly £9 million.

Chelsea have signed personal terms with Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca, bringing them one step closer to signing their new manager, according to a report.

Maresca was swiftly added to the shortlist of possible candidates for Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of the season, and was confirmed as the top target on Monday.

Chelsea are eager to act quickly, and multiple reports, including one from Fabrizio Romano, indicate that a contract has already been reached with Maresca, who has made it obvious that he wants to take over at Stamford Bridge.

However, an agreement has yet to be reached with Leicester. Maresca’s contract with the Championship winners has a £9 million release clause, which increased after the Foxes won the title.

Chelsea’s interest in Maresca is believed to be fuelled by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. According to the Evening Standard, the trio persuaded Chelsea’s co-owners to make a move for the Spaniard.

Maresca impressed Chelsea executives with his possession-based approach, which propelled Leicester to the top of the Championship in his first season in command.

Before joining Leicester, Maresca worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, where he also impressed as manager of the club’s Under-23 team.

Maresca, who has also worked as an assistant for Sevilla and West Ham United, has only one previous senior managerial experience before joining Leicester. He signed with Parma in May 2021, but only played 14 games before being released and returning to City.