Chelsea has officially approached their top managerial target

Chelsea has taken a significant step in their search for Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement, with reports indicating an official approach to their preferred candidate’s team.

Last Tuesday, the Blues announced Pochettino’s departure from his role as head coach, sparking speculation about his successor at Stamford Bridge.

As co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital seek the perfect fit for the club, several names have surfaced as potential candidates.

Recent reports suggest that Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has been ruled out, narrowing the list down to three contenders.

Now, Chelsea has reportedly accelerated their pursuit of their top choice for the managerial position.

According to The Telegraph, the club has made an official approach to Leicester City regarding Enzo Maresca, expressing their interest in negotiating with the Foxes’ boss.

Should Chelsea proceed with the deal, Leicester is expected to demand the full payment of a £10 million release clause in Maresca’s contract.

The move to Stamford Bridge for Maresca appears increasingly likely, potentially edging out other contenders like Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Chelsea’s interest in Maresca stems from his possession-based football philosophy, showcased during Leicester’s Championship-winning campaign, where they boasted over 62% possession and completed over 28,000 passes.

Furthermore, Maresca’s experience with Manchester City’s coaching staff, under Pep Guardiola, adds weight to his managerial credentials, reminiscent of Mikel Arteta’s transformative journey at Arsenal.

Having previously faced Chelsea in an FA Cup quarter-final with Leicester, Maresca seems poised to make the switch from the newly-promoted side to the established Premier League powerhouse.

With negotiations underway, an appointment could be imminent, potentially shaping Chelsea’s future for the seasons to come.