Enzo Maresca is closing in on the Chelsea job, and Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest on the situation.
The Blues’ search for a new manager is about to come to an end. It has only been a week since they parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino, and after considering many names, it looks like they have decided on Leicester boss Maresca.
Talks are ongoing between the two parties, and Romano has now revealed the one thing that needs to be agreed before the deal can be wrapped up.
Fabrizio Romano shares what still needs to be agreed between Chelsea and Enzo Maresca
Chelsea had a few options before they settled on Enzo Maresca.
The Blues were considering Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town before he pulled out of the race. Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi were also being looked at.
After careful consideration, Todd Boehly and the rest of the Chelsea board unanimously agreed that Maresca was the right man for the job.
It was reported Monday that Chelsea were in advanced negotiations to seal the deal, and talks continued for the rest of the day.
Fabrizio Romano decided to share an update on the situation on Monday night, and he says almost everything is agreed between Maresca and Chelsea.
The one point that needs to be finalised, however, is the length of the contract.
Chelsea initially began talks over a two-year deal with an option of another or a straight three-year contract. However, later in the day, discussions began over a five-year term.
Romano said in a video on his YouTube channel: “So, Maresca wants to go to Chelsea. The salary is already agreed, it’s not an issue. The only thing to discuss is the length of the contract.
“The discussion around morning-lunchtime started around a two-year deal with an option for a further season or three-year deal. Now, in the afternoon, after new contacts between the agents of Enzo Maresca and Chelsea, the feeling is that could be even longer, could be something around five years at least for Enzo Maresca.
“So, they’re just discussing on the length of the contract, checking that to make sure it’s the best option possible for all parties involved, but it’s just about the length of the contract and then, Enzo Maresca will be the new Chelsea manager.”
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Chelsea could be about to make a huge statement
Enzo Maresca was not a household name among Chelsea supporters until their club started to seriously consider him.
The Italian won the Championship with Leicester City last season, and the fact that he spent a year as Pep Guardiola‘s assistant at Manchester City makes him more attractive.
However, the one important thing here is that Maresca has no Premier League experience as a manager or a head coach. The Chelsea job will be his first one.
But, the fact that the Blues are still willing to back him with a five-year contract is a huge statement and tells everyone that they fully trust Maresca.
That should give him the confidence he needs, but whether the Blues bosses will stick with him during the difficult moments remains to be seen.