Chelsea Transfer: Maresca Targets Man City Star in Surprise £20m Deal After Previous Attempt
According to reports, new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is keen on making Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee his first signing.
Maresca, formerly Leicester City’s manager, will be officially announced as Chelsea’s new boss on Monday. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, stating on X: “Enzo Maresca will be announced today as new Chelsea manager. All contracts are signed, including staff. The deal is valid until June 2029, with an option until June 2030. Leicester City will receive €10m compensation for Maresca plus additional fees for staff. Here we go, confirmed.”
Maresca, who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man City until last summer, led Leicester City back into the Premier League after their relegation. His achievements and style of play impressed the Chelsea hierarchy, who were searching for a successor to Mauricio Pochettino following his departure after one season. Other contenders for the role included Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who got Ipswich promoted from the Championship behind Leicester.
Now in his new role, Maresca plans for the upcoming season with The Sun reporting that he aims to sign Man City’s McAtee. The England under-21 international had a loan spell at relegated Sheffield United last season, contributing three goals and three assists in 30 appearances. McAtee’s potential is believed to be better utilized in a team with more possession, unlike Sheffield United’s frequent 30% possession last season. Maresca is preparing a £20m bid for McAtee, whom he previously tried to sign on loan for Leicester.
Additionally, Chelsea is close to signing Fulham center-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, beating Newcastle United to his signature. Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Chelsea are about to sign a new centre-back with the free transfer of Tosin Adarabioyo. A verbal agreement has been reached, and documents will be signed next week after his medical tests if everything goes to plan. Newcastle were close to signing the defender, who is a free agent after leaving Fulham, but Chelsea convinced him with their long-term project and Maresca’s vision.”
This signing is seen as smart business by Chelsea, securing a proven Premier League player on a free transfer, making Adarabioyo a valuable long-term option for Maresca. Interest in Adarabioyo came from several clubs, including AC Milan and others across Europe.
Chelsea may also pursue another centre-back and a central striker. They are considering returning to the Michael Olise case in the coming days, as Olise is highly regarded by the club. Additionally, Chelsea has been monitoring Crysencio Summerville, who had an impressive season with Leeds in the Championship. Leeds lost the playoff final to Southampton, and Summerville is expected to transfer this summer. Chelsea and Liverpool are particularly interested, though negotiations are not yet underway.
Summerville’s future is one to watch as Chelsea and Liverpool continue their interest, potentially facing competition from other clubs as the transfer window progresses.
