One thing Enzo Maresca is going to have to do once he becomes Chelsea manager is decide the futures of some of his players.
The current Leicester City boss is set to take over Chelsea after agreeing a five-year deal with the club.
The Blues had many players out on loan this season, including the likes of Andrey Santos, Armando Broja, David Datro Fofana and Romelu Lukaku.
It will now be interesting to see what Maresca does with some of those names.
Chelsea could find it tricky to offload Broja this summer, with it being claimed that they have already had to reduce their asking price for him.
One of Enzo Maresca’s first jobs at Chelsea
One of the first things Maresca is going to have to do once he begins work at Chelsea is decide Santos’ future.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Italian and the club will discuss that “as soon as possible”.
Discussing the £18m midfielder on X, Romano said: “Chelsea will decide on Andrey Santos’ future for next season with Enzo Maresca as soon as possible. Andrey had excellent loan spell under Patrick Vieira and now waiting for club’s decision.
“Maresca will be involved in decisions on Omari Hutchinson, Andrey and more.”
What should Enzo Maresca do with Andrey Santos?
Right now, Chelsea have Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, the two most expensive signings in the club’s history, who can play in midfield.
They also have Conor Gallagher and Romeo Lavia, but with the former being linked to Aston Villa and the latter struggling to stay fit this season, there could be room for another midfielder in the squad.
Perhaps, then, it may be worth Maresca watching Santos and keeping him at Stamford Bridge if he manages to impress.
A lot could depend on what happens with Chelsea’s other midfielders, such as Gallagher. If he stays, for example, then it probably would be best for Santos to go out on another loan.