Maresca to City, €20m deal agreed
Enzo Maresca is leaving. Manchester City and Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement worth around €20 million for the termination of his contract, and Maresca will travel to Manchester in the coming hours to sign a three-year deal (1) (3). Your club now need a new manager with the season weeks away.
Enzo Fernandez pushing for Real Madrid, Wharton lined up
Real Madrid have a verbal agreement with Enzo Fernandez for a five-year contract. Chelsea do not want to sell, but the Argentine will push for the move. A first contact between the clubs is expected soon, with the valuation at a minimum of €120m (2).
The club are already moving. Chelsea are close to a £75 million agreement with Crystal Palace for Adam Wharton as the replacement (2).
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Juventus left-back Cambiaso targeted
A left-back is also on the radar. Chelsea have made a £26 million bid for Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, with Marc Cucurella's €60m exit to Real Madrid leaving a hole that needs filling fast (2).
Reece James gutted by Cucurella exit
Reece James has not hidden his feelings. The club captain admitted he feels gutted after Cucurella agreed to leave for Madrid, a departure that clearly stings inside the dressing room (5).
Bergvall hands in transfer request at Spurs
Lucas Bergvall wants out of Tottenham. The midfielder has handed in a formal transfer request, and Chelsea are set to try again for a player they have tracked for some time (7). Spurs' stance will determine whether this one moves quickly.
Newcastle baulk at £40m Delap price
Chelsea want £40 million for Liam Delap. Newcastle are interested, but their fans are not impressed: "One goal in 28 games and they're expecting a £10m profit?" one posted (4). The striker struggled last season, and that price tag is raising eyebrows.
Penders keeps a clean sheet for Belgium
Mike Penders started for Belgium in their World Cup qualifier against Iran. The match ended 0–0, tightening Group G and leaving qualification less comfortable than expected (6). A clean sheet for the Chelsea goalkeeper, but the result does Belgium few favours.
Chelsea miss out on Shakhtar-bound Roberto
Shakhtar Donetsk have signed Ryan Roberto, a young talent who was on Chelsea and Barcelona's radar (8). Arda Turan, now a Shakhtar executive, made the deal happen. One that got away.
Fan-reaktioner
Supporters are processing Maresca's exit with a mix of resignation and gallows humour. The general mood on Reddit leans toward frustration over the €20 million figure, which many feel is light for losing a manager to a direct Premier League rival. The Di Marzio thread on r/soccer captures the sentiment.
