Chelsea will aim to put their dismal defeat against Leeds United behind them when they face Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Blues were beaten 3-1 by the Whites at Elland Road on Wednesday, ending an impressive run during which they remained unbeaten throughout the month of November.
The Cherries are also in poor form at present, though, and Maresca may fancy his side’s chances of getting back on track on Saturday.
In the meantime, it has emerged that one of Europe’s biggest clubs are keen to sign one of Chelsea’s standout players from the season so far.
As per Fichajes via CaughtOffside, Barcelona have identified Chelsea’s winger Pedro Neto as a transfer target.
The report claims that the La Liga champions believe an offer in the region of £61 million could be enough to persuade the Blues to part ways with the Portuguese.
Neto scored in Chelsea’s defeat against Leeds on Wednesday (Photo: PA Images/Alamy)
Neto, 25, joined the Blues from Wolves back in 2024 and has since scored 14 goals in 70 games for the West London side.
He has been impressing this term, netting five times in 14 Premier League games for Maresca’s side.
Neto is under contract at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2030/31 campaign having signed a long-term deal when joining the club last year, but Barcelona are said to have been monitoring the attacker.
Despite their interest, it is not yet clear whether or not the Spanish giants will step up their interest by making a formal offer for the player.
Chelsea have recruited heavily in attack over the past couple of years, including this summer when Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro were among those to arrive at Stamford Bridge.
The London side are likely to be reluctant to allow an important player to leave the club, though, with Neto having started 13 Premier League games already this term.