One former Chelsea player has come back to haunt his old side and Enzo Maresca and could do so again in the future.
Chelsea had a massive clear-out last summer, with the likes of Conor Gallagher, Ian Maatsen and Romelu Lukaku all leaving the club.
Raheem Sterling also departed temporarily and is not expected to have a future in west London. Arsenal legend Paul Merson thinks Sterling should join Leeds United, but that seems highly unlikely because of the potential finances involved.
Sterling was only at Arsenal on loan so could not play against Chelsea last season, but Omari Hutchinson did.
Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich Town looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Ipswich Town
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Everton, Brentford, West Ham and Fulham all interested in Omari Hutchinson
Hutchinson was another player whom Maresca was happy to let go, but the Italian may have regretted it when Chelsea made the trip to Portman Road last December.
The attacking midfielder, playing for his new club Ipswich Town, managed to score against Maresca‘s side in a 2-0 win.
Ipswich have since been relegated, but Hutchinson could remain in the Premier League amid interest from several clubs.
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According to the Daily Mail, Everton have identified the 21-year-old as a target, while Brentford, West Ham United and Fulham are also monitoring him.
He only made two senior appearances for Chelsea during his time in west London so did not get too many opportunities to showcase his talent. However, former Chelsea manager Graham Potter described Hutchinson as “dangerous” after his performance in a friendly against Aston Villa.
Chelsea Head Coach Enzo Maresca reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC
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How Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap tore Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea apart last season
Chelsea will at least not have to worry about Liam Delap in the new campaign after signing the striker from Ipswich.
Both he and Hutchinson did some serious damage against the Conference League winners in that affair at Portman Road.
Delap was the player who won Ipswich their early penalty before slotting past Filip Jorgensen. The 22-year-old got plenty of shots away that night, while Hutchinson was able to open up Chelsea’s defence.
Hutchinson and Delap vs Chelsea Minutes Goals Assists Shots Key passes Big chances created
Hutchinson 89 1 0 1 2 1
Delap 89 1 1 5 1 0
Via Sofascore
All in all, it is very unlikely that Maresca has seen the last of Hutchinson, who will want to continue making a point to the 45-year-old and Chelsea.