Maresca, 44, has agreed a five-year contract after Chelsea forked out a compensation package worth £10million with Championship winners Leicester.
A former Manchester City assistant under Pep Guardiola, Maresca prefers goalkeepers who can moonlight as playmakers, much like the Premier League champions have in Ederson.
Meanwhile, current Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen is set to make his loan move to Borussia Dortmund permanent.
Chelsea will need to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules, a requisite which the club's top brass has insisted repeatedly is not an issue worth worry.
Nevertheless, the need to comply should also accelerate club plans for a clear-out before 30 June.
The Blues are set to appoint Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca as their new head coach following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino by mutual consent last week
The appointment of Enzo Maresca as new Chelsea head coach will bring transfer plans forward with four new signings set to be made.
Former Foxes boss Maresca's appointment is set to be announced imminently with the final touches being made on a deal for the Italian coach. Maresca, 44, has agreed a five-year contract after Chelsea forked out a compensation package worth £10million with Championship winners Leicester.
As has become the norm with Chelsea, the summer is expected to be a busy one. And while Maresca will not have carte blanche over incomings and outgoings, his input will be desired by Chelsea's hierarchy with discussions reportedly already ongoing between parties. In keeping with Maresca's style of play, the Blues are in the market for a new goalkeeper, centre-back, left-back and forward this summer.
A former Manchester City assistant under Pep Guardiola, Maresca prefers goalkeepers who can moonlight as playmakers, much like the Premier League champions have in Ederson. Former New England Revolution keeper Djordje Petrovic did well to establish himself between the sticks midway through this season after taking the gloves from Robert Sanchez, but the 24-year-old is not viewed as a long-term solution nor adequately fulfilling the mould Maresca has in mind.
Burnley's James Trafford is a name that is being considered by the club to bring in. Meanwhile, Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo is also reportedly on the list of defenders being considered, along with Ronald Araujo at Barcelona. Adarabioyo is in high demand, with Newcastle and Manchester United pushing to procure his services when his contract expires next month.
The need for a centre-back has been ramped up after veteran Thiago Silva announced he would be leaving Stamford Bridge to join his boyhood club, Fluminense.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
A top-level striker remains top of the list for the Blues after some underwhelming displays in the front line. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who scored 17 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions, has accrued stern interest from the Blues, along with a whole host of top European clubs.
A left-back is also a priority this summer. Maresca prefers his full-backs to move inside to midfield during attacking phases. The Blues were keeping tabs on promising Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Harman, but the 22-year-old is out of contention until next year with a knee injury.
Meanwhile, current Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen is set to make his loan move to Borussia Dortmund permanent.
Chelsea will need to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules, a requisite which the club's top brass has insisted repeatedly is not an issue worth worry. Nevertheless, the need to comply should also accelerate club plans for a clear-out before 30 June. Forward Armando Broja is a player believed to be departing, along with midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
Join our new WhatsApp community a nd receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
