Chelsea Football Club is currently engaged in negotiations with Leicester City's manager, Enzo Maresca, as a prospective replacement for Mauricio Pochettino.
Maresca, 44, assumed managerial duties at Leicester in June 2023, guiding the team to immediate promotion to the Premier League after clinching the Championship title.
Talks between Chelsea and Maresca are ongoing, following Kieran McKenna's withdrawal from contention for the position as Ipswich Town manager, which occurred just a day prior.
Roberto de Zerbi, former Brighton manager, and Thomas Frank of Brentford remain as potential candidates, though Maresca is currently the favored choice within Chelsea's hierarchy.
Compensation fees would be applicable for any managerial appointment, with Leicester reportedly seeking £8m-£10m for Maresca's release. Chelsea's commitment to securing the deal hinges on their willingness to meet this financial demand.
The decision to pursue Maresca stems primarily from recommendations by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, with co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali playing a pivotal role in the process.
Extensive evaluation, including data analysis, interviews, and background checks, has contributed to identifying Maresca as the preferred candidate.
Chelsea's confidence in Maresca's suitability for the role is reinforced by his familiarity with the club's squad and his previous experience as assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The club is optimistic that appointing a hands-on, tactically astute coach will maximize the potential of their talented squad, aligning with their vision of building an elite footballing structure.
Meanwhile, McKenna, who led Ipswich to promotion from the Championship, is rumored to be linked with managerial positions at Brighton and a potential return to Manchester United should Erik ten Hag be dismissed.
Ipswich intends to retain McKenna's services and is poised to offer him a contract extension, although uncertainties remain regarding his willingness to commit to a renewal.
McKenna's existing contract with Ipswich extends until 2027, requiring any interested club to negotiate compensation, anticipated to be at least £4m, for his release.
