Enzo Maresca has now told Chelsea that he is looking forward to working with one player – who Todd Boehly actually wants to sell, according to sources.
The Italian has just been announced by the Blues on a contract running until the summer of 2029 – which represents a huge show of faith from Chelsea, given the fact he has never managed in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca has a lot of work to do at Stamford Bridge, but his first task could actually be to convince Todd Boehly to keep one player at Chelsea…
Enzo Maresca wants to work with Robert Sanchez at Chelsea
An update from Fabrizio Romano claims that Maresca told those in the boardroom at Chelsea that he cannot wait to work with Robert Sanchez – and feels the Spain international is ready to move up a gear.
The reliable Italian journalist wrote: “Understand Chelsea new coach Maresca told the board that he really likes Robert Sanchez.
“Maresca, looking forward to working with Spanish GK next season as he believes Robert is ready for next phase of his career. Chelsea expect Sanchez to stay at the club this summer.”
It comes after another hugely reliable journalist – especially when it comes to Chelsea – in Simon Phillips stated on Substack that the Blues hope to sell the Spaniard, who only arrived in a £25m deal from Brighton back in August 2023.
Sanchez made 16 Premier League appearances as No.1 under Mauricio Pochettino last season, before an injury allowed Djordje Petrovic to take his spot.
Sensible decision
While both Sanchez and Petrovic still have a lot to prove at Chelsea, this is a sensible call from Maresca.
Chelsea only signed the two goalkeepers last summer – and also have Kepa Arrizabalaga to return from his loan spell at Real Madrid – so it would be madness to bring another glovesman to west London.
A story by Football London claimed that the Blues are considering a move for Valencia No.25 Giorgi Mamardashvili, although amid talk of Maresca being eager to work with Sanchez – and Newcastle bidding £35m for the Georgia international – that deal does not seem likely to progress any further.
Hopefully, either Sanchez or Petrovic can become key for Chelsea next season, and ensure the Blues do not have to worry about signing another goalkeeper for many, many years.