Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has identified his first signing ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a recent report.
Maresca is set to be confirmed as the new Chelsea manager following Mauricio Pochettino’s dismissal at the end of the season.
The Italian head coach leaves Leicester City having returned them to the Premier League, going up as Championship winners.
Ahead of the fast-approaching window, Maresca is lining up a move for a player Pep Guardiola once called ‘special’.
Chelsea eye Manchester City playmaker James McAtee
According to The Sun on Sunday (page 61), Maresca is keen to sign Manchester City playmaker James McAtee.
The former City assistant has worked with McAtee previously and tried to sign him at Leicester last summer before he rejoined Sheffield United on loan.
Maresca was planning to launch a £20m bid to bring him to Leicester this window but now could make him his first signing at Stamford Bridge.
The left-footed number 10 enjoyed a productive season on a personal level last term, registering nine goal involvements in a relegated Sheffield United side.
James McAtee statistics
McAtee’s FBref statistics make for very impressive reading.
The 21-year-old ranks in the top six per cent for progressive carries compared to his positional peers across Europe, amplifying his terrific dribbling ability.
Further, he sits in the top seven per cent for progressive passes received, evincing how intelligent his movement is.
McAtee would provide Chelsea with a superb line-breaker.