Chelsea are reportedly holding talks to make Leicester City's Enzo Maresca their new manager.
The Italian was Pep Guardiola's assistant at champions Manchester City until last year. He has overseen an immediate return to the Premier League for the Foxes following their relegation 12 months ago.
The Chelsea hierarchy are looking for a successor to Mauricio Pochettino after they parted ways with the Argentine after just one season. Maresca's style of football is said to have impressed the Chelsea board, with Sky Sports reporting that the Blues had asked Leicester for permission to speak directly to Maresca on Monday.
The BBC reported that Leicester would be seeking £8-10 million in compensation for Maresca. It is also believed Maresca will fit in the club structure with his prior knowledge of the squad.
His stint as Guardiola’s assistant is also being seen positively, with Chelsea board members impressed with the rebuilding job Mikel Arteta, another Guardiola assistant, has done at Arsenal after leaving City.
According to the BBC, "Chelsea believe they are building an elite structure and hope that a hands-on, tactically proficient coach can get the best out of their expensively assembled squad".
Brentford's Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who led Ipswich Town to top-flight promotion behind Leicester, were also linked with the vacant position.
McKenna has also been linked with Manchester United and Brighton, but reports suggested he was inclined to stay at Portman Road and sign a new deal.
Pochettino left after a late surge resulted in Chelsea finishing sixth in the Premier League, thus securing qualification for the Europa Conference League, but missed out on Champions League qualification and a trophy.
Although Pochettino led the Blues into Europe, it was a difficult season for the former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss.
Pochettino's side were booed by their fans after several underwhelming performances. Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool after extra-time and pushed Manchester City all the way before losing in the FA Cup semi-finals by the same scoreline.
Chelsea's chairman Todd Boehly expected better after spending over £1 billion on new signings in his two-year reign.
Pochettino is the third manager after Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter to be axed since US-based Boehly's consortium bought the west London club.
Chelsea's task of identifying a replacement for Pochettino is being overseen by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
Chelsea 2023/24 season ratings
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An eventful season for Pochettino, who had to deal with a debilitating injury crisis, a young and inexperienced squad, and a disillusioned fanbase. He hardly helped himself with a poor start to the season, but there has been considerable progress in recent months, culminating in a charge up the table to finish sixth having also made two trips to Wembley. Overall, he should be satisfied with his work, but then he got sacked as instability continues to reign at Stamford Bridge. EPA -
Recruited from Brighton last summer for £20 million but failed to convince. A knee injury sidelined the Spaniard in December, and by the time he was ready to return, he had been demoted to No 2. Curious to see if Chelsea try to offload him. EPA -
Stepped in to replace the injured Sanchez and grasped his opportunity with both hands, proving an upgrade on the Spaniard. An excellent shot-stopper, Petrovic produced several saves to add to the highlight reel. Yet, his positioning and aerial ability could be suspect at times. Only 24, he will surely improve. Getty Images -
Split his time between left-back and central defence, and it was obvious where his best position lies. Looked uncomfortable at full-back but showed glimpses of his quality centrally. A mix of good games and bad, which is no surprise in a brand-new backline. Missed the final two months with injury, and should come back stronger next season. Reuters -
It was a debut season combining the ridiculous and sublime for the French defender. One week, he looked like a prime John Terry in a man-of-the-match display against Man City, the next he's scoring an own goal from 40 yards out. Has all the tools to be a top defender, if he can find consistency in his performances. EPA -
Endured an injury-disrupted season and was miles off the pace when he first returned. But Badiashile ended the campaign strong with a run of impressive performances to help Chelsea finish with five straight wins and a place in Europe. The Frenchman has a role to play in this squad moving forward. Getty Images -
Missed most of the season with a thigh injury, but soon cemented his place in the team and was arguably Chelsea's best defender in the run-in. Solid at centre-back and reliable when required to deputise at right-back, Chalobah also emerged as a leader and could be an important player next season. If Chelsea don't sell him. AFP -
The tributes on the final day said it all. Went to Chelsea for one season and stayed for four, Thiago Silva was still class personified at the age of 39. The Brazilian did find himself out of the team for a short while but returned to end the season in style. A timeless player. Getty Images -
Gilchrist had been tipped by John Terry to be the next Academy player to break through, and he did himself justice in his debut season. Always reliable when called upon, usually in the final few minutes, and did well on his occasional starts. Will likely spend next season on loan. EPA -
A season to forget for the vice-captain. The hamstring problem returned in October before a knee injury at the end of the campaign. When he did play, he was short of sharpness; a match-fit Chilwell would have picked out that cross in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to City. Getty Images -
What a difference a year makes. Cucurella was the subject of criticism following an underwhelming debut season, but he became a key player this campaign. A reliable defender and supporter in attack on the left, it was a tactical tweak that saw the Spaniard become an inverted full-back that elevated him and Chelsea to a whole new level. PA -
Another season ruined by injury, the captain offered glimpses of what could have been for Chelsea had he been fit. That said, he was strangely indisciplined in the few games he played, getting sent off twice. James will hope the summer can bring another reset. Getty Images -
Stepped in to fill the void left by James and did so well the new manager will need to figure out how to get them both in the team next season. Linked up to great effect with Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke on the right flank and was strong defensively. Gusto, 20, has a massive future. Getty Images -
Endured a miserable debut following his £100m move from Brighton and continued to struggle to find his best form in the early months. Caicedo gradually improved to end the season superbly, culminating with his magnificent goal on the final day. The Ecuadorian was much more effective when playing alongside Conor Gallagher than Enzo Fernandez. PA -
One of many young talents recruited during the new era, the midfielder's opportunities were limited by a hamstring injury. The Frenchman will provide squad depth next season. AFP -
Expected to have a big season, but ultimately failed to find his best form consistently. Often overrun by stronger midfields and went missing on too many occasions. The Argentine was carrying an injury for most of the season so will hope surgery and rest can bring a reset over the summer. Reuters -
A mainstay in the team this season and an important player throughout both as a midfielder and captain. Delivered wherever he was deployed, being used in attack, deeper midfield and on the left wing. Chipped in with important goals and led by example with his commitment and energy. Chelsea would be crazy to sell him. Getty Images -
Injuries curtailed what could have been a breakthrough season for the young midfielder. When he did play, Chukwuemeka showed glimpses of his talent. Can make a big contribution next season if he sorts out his fitness problems. Getty Images -
Recalled from a fine loan spell at Leicester City to help ease Chelsea's injury problems, the Italian was limited to a handful of appearances off the bench, but looked bright on those occasions. Another loan spell looks likely next season. Getty Images -
Chelsea fans must wonder what might have been this season had Nkunku been fit for most of it. The Frenchman is arguably the club's best player but his worrying injury record extended into another season. Showed signs of his quality when he played and will hope next season can bring a clean slate. PA -
Perhaps the finest debut season in Premier League history. Palmer needed little time to establish himself as Chelsea's main man, and once he started scoring, he couldn't stop. Ended the season with a remarkable 42 goal involvements (27 goals, 15 assists) and provided constant quality even as Chelsea struggled for consistency. An incredible talent. PA -
A disappointing season for Sterling, who was one of few senior players in a young squad yet struggled to assert enough influence on the pitch. Scored a few important goals but not enough overall - only eight in 31 league appearances. Had an infamously bad game against Leicester in the FA Cup that led to fans cheering his substitution. Will be interesting to see if he's still part of the squad next season. PA -
The raw materials are there to be a top-level winger with his frightening pace and ability to dribble at speed, but there wasn't enough progress this season. Struggled to convince when given a run in the starting XI, and his tactical naivety showed how far he still has to go. PA -
The poster boy of Chelsea's late-season surge, Madueke was unplayable for much of the run-in and was the catalyst that sparked the turn in form with his impressive display at Aston Villa. The winger had been accused of having attitude problems but dispelled those criticisms by showing plenty of commitment in the final month. Has set himself a solid foundation for a more consistent season. PA -
An eventful debut season for Jackson. The stats are solid and 17 goals is a good return for a first year, while his running in behind and pace on the ball caused plenty of problems for opponents. Yet, he was guilty of howlers, too, and missed too many important chances that could have changed the outcome of games. Overall, though, he should be pleased with his first season. PA
