Chelsea could snap-up Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens this weekend. The AC Milan goalkeeper and the Borussia Dortmund winger were both heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge ahead of the Club World Cup, but the Blues couldn't secure their signatures before the deadline.
football.london understands that Chelsea were willing to submit a £13m offer for Maignan earlier this month, but the Italian giants wanted in excess of £20m. The 29-year-old shot-stopper has recently entered the final year of his contract at the San Siro, putting Milan under pressure to rethink the west Londoners' bid.
If Maignan doesn't pen an extension, the Serie A giants will be forced to make a tough decision. Milan must weigh up whether they'd rather risk losing the France international for free next year or cut their losses and cash in during the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are preparing a fresh offer for Gittens, football.london understands. Despite having recently had a £42m bid rejected by Dortmund, the 20-year-old winger remains the Blues' primary target.
It's said that the west Londoners have already verbally agreed on personal terms, with Gittens understood to be very keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge. football.london understands that talks with the Bundesliga outfit are ongoing, and they want £50m for his signature.
Chelsea have fallen short in negotiations for two players this month, but the Club World Cup can transform their fortunes. If the Blues beat Flamengo on Friday night, they'll pocket an additional £1.5m for winning the match.
The west Londoners won their opening game of the group stages earlier this week, beating Los Angeles FC 2-0. A win against Flamengo will see Chelsea qualify for the Club World Cup knock-out stages - and bank a further £5.8m.
Two victories and a place in the last-16 will guarantee the Blues at least £8.8m in prize money - not to mention the £9.9m to £29.6m reward for simply participating in the competition. Those extra funds could help Chelsea fund new bids for Maignan and Gittens, wrapping up deals as early as this weekend.
If the west Londoners make the quarter-finals, they'll receive £10.1m. The Club World Cup semi-finalists will rake in an extra £16.2m, while the two finalists will get a further £23.2m.
And, finally, the winners of the tournament will receive £30m in prize money. Maresca certainly understands the benefits of returning to Cobham as victors, outlining his intention to win the Club World Cup.
Speaking to the club website, the Blues boss said: "When you are the Chelsea head coach or if you are a Chelsea player, you must always try to win.
"It doesn't matter if it's the Club World Cup or another competition - that is what is expected.
"At this moment [in the year], the players are normally away enjoying their holiday and recovering energy. That is not the case because we are here to try to win. We can rest after the Club World Cup.
"I feel proud [to lead Chelsea into the Club World Cup]. It is the first and everything is new for us.
"So we must adapt as quickly as possible to make sure we're ready."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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