Chelsea Manager Seeks Additional Striker
This summer, Chelsea bolstered their attack by signing 18-year-old striker Marc Guiu from Barcelona for $6.5 million. However, Guiu’s debut was underwhelming, as he missed a clear scoring opportunity in the team’s 2-0 win against Servette in the first leg of the Conference League play-off. “I like Guiu. The way he trains every day is commendable, and he deserved a chance. But the most important thing is that Guiu didn’t score,” said manager Enzo Maresca.
Despite spending over $250 million this summer to bring in ten new players, Chelsea now has a first-team squad of around 44 players, nearly double the usual number for most clubs. Maresca acknowledged that Chelsea is working to streamline the squad. Among the players expected to leave are England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, who are part of a group of 15 players training separately as they seek new clubs. “I’m working with 22, 23, or 21 players—not with 42 players, as that would be impossible,” the Italian manager explained. “No coach in the world can train with 45 players. It’s just not feasible.”
In addition to Lukaku, Sterling, and Chilwell, Chelsea is also looking to offload Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Kepa Arrizabalaga to generate over $200 million. Maresca commented, “I only communicate with players I like. For those I don’t, there are about ten days left in the transfer window, and hopefully, we can find solutions for everyone. When you find solutions, everyone is happy. If not, you could face some issues.”
Maresca confirmed that Robert Sanchez remains the first-choice goalkeeper, with new signing Filip Jorgensen as the backup, but he is open to making changes if needed. Sanchez started in the 0-2 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League opener, while Jorgensen made his debut in the 2-0 win over Servette in the Conference League. “This is the plan for now, but plans can change,” he said.
While acknowledging that Chelsea faces challenges if they do not reduce their squad size, Maresca still expressed a desire to sign a central striker before the summer transfer window closes.
“If the opportunity arises to buy a striker who can help us and make a difference, we will try to do it. If not, I’m satisfied with the current squad,” Maresca stated on August 23 in a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s second-round Premier League match against Wolves. “However, we will only recruit if we believe the new player can improve the team.”
Maresca’s comments have sparked some debate, given Chelsea’s already crowded attack. In addition to Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Christopher Nkunku, the club recently added high-profile signings Joao Felix and Pedro Neto.
Chelsea is reportedly targeting Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, while the Italian club is interested in acquiring Romelu Lukaku. Napoli’s current manager, Antonio Conte, who previously coached Lukaku, is keen on reuniting with the striker. Napoli is said to want to finalize the Lukaku deal before discussing the possibility of selling Osimhen.
