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Chelsea 'lead race' for wonderkid as Enzo Maresca 'crazy' about sealing transfer

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Chelsea will be able to reinforce their squad from January 1, despite their heavy spending in the summer

Jeremy Monga

Leicester City academy prospect Jeremy Monga(Image: Getty Images)

Everything you need to know about the players linked with a move to Chelsea ahead of the January transfer window...

Jeremy Monga (Leicester City): Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign the 16-year-old winger who recently became the youngest goalscorer in Championship history. The club views him as a generational talent, though Leicester are resistant to a January sale before he turns 17.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille): The Blues have entered the race for the 18-year-old French midfielder, potentially hijacking interest from rivals like Arsenal and Manchester United. He is currently valued at approximately £52.4 million as Chelsea look to add technical depth to their central options.

Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan): Enzo Maresca is reportedly 'crazy' about signing the Italian international to strengthen a defense recently hampered by injuries. While the player has expressed a desire to stay in Milan, Chelsea remain attentive in case Inter's stance shifts.

Kenan Yildiz (Juventus): Chelsea are monitoring the Turkish forward's contract situation in Italy as a potential target for the 2026 calendar year. A January move remains a possibility if his current negotiations with Juventus continue to stall.

Said Remadnia (Marseille): Reports suggest Chelsea are in advanced talks for this Marseille 'jewel' as part of their ongoing project to secure top youth prospects. The club is facing fierce resistance from the French side, who are desperate to keep their 16-year-old academy star.

Konstantinos Karetsas (Genk): The 18-year-old Belgian attacking midfielder is high on Chelsea's list of European targets for the winter window. The recruitment team is reportedly working to move ahead of other Premier League rivals to secure his signature early.

Axel Disasi (departure): The French defender is heavily linked with a January exit, with AC Milan and several Premier League clubs showing interest. His departure would likely be the catalyst for the club to bring in a new high-profile centre-back.

Enzo Maresca's t rust in the recruitment team: Maresca has consistently stated that the club's owners and sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, make the final decisions on transfers. He recently reiterated that he does not seek more power over signings and is 'completely OK' with the current squad.

Speculation and c ommitment: Amid rumours of a move back to Manchester City or a fallout with the board, Maresca confirmed his intention to stay until his contract ends in 2029. He dismissed transfer and managerial speculation as '100% speculation' that he chooses to ignore.

Satisfied with current depth: Despite injuries in midfield to players like Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo, Maresca has praised his current options. He noted that he joined Chelsea specifically because he believed the squad was already 'very good' and capable of competing.

Read more:Chelsea latest transfer news

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