Enzo Maresca's position at Chelsea has come under intense scrutiny following a catastrophic December that has seen the club's title ambitions evaporate.
Bookmakers have also slashed odds on the Italian becoming the next Premier League managerial casualty.
enzo-maresca-chelsea-premier-league
Football Insider report that Maresca's odds have been cut to just 8/1 to lose his job, making him joint-third favourite behind only Nuno Espirito Santo and Scott Parker.
Media sources suggest BlueCo are already making contingency plans in the event they're forced to sack Maresca, though no formal decision has been taken regarding Maresca's future.
The 45-year-old retains some credit from last season's Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs alongside securing Champions League qualification, yet December's collapse has severely undermined confidence in his ability to deliver sustained progress.
maresca Related
Chelsea have 'exceptional' manager already lined up if they sack Maresca
The Italian is under mounting pressure.
Chelsea rank a lowly 13th for home form this campaign, collecting just seven points from a possible 21 during their dismal recent stretch.
The defeat to Aston Villa and dropped points against a Bournemouth side winless in nine matches have proven particularly damaging, with supporters questioning whether Maresca is the right man to take them forward.
Former Barcelona manager Xavi has emerged as the bookmakers' favourite replacement at 5/1, ahead of Marco Silva at 6/1.
Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior remains a candidate favoured by the BlueCo ownership should change prove necessary, though the club's preference remains conducting a formal summer review rather than making knee-jerk decisions mid-season (Simon Phillips).
RC Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior
Maresca's public comments referencing his 'worst 48 hours' at the club following the Everton victory sparked speculation about internal tensions with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
Former Man United striker Wayne Rooney warned that such remarks may have cost Maresca crucial protection from ownership if results continue deteriorating, suggesting the Italian has undermined his position by appearing to challenge those who employed him.
The upcoming fixtures against Man City and Arsenal may well prove critical in determining whether Maresca survives, but in the meantime, Chelsea are looking to solve their striker problem.
Liam Delap has underwhelmed since his move from Ipswich this summer, which is partly down to injury, but Chelsea believe they lack quality up top.
Chelsea making 'new move' for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa
That is according to Simon Phillips, who has also heard whispers from his sources of a fresh approach for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.
Chelsea-Samu-Omorodion
The Spaniard, who's taken the Primeira Liga by storm since his move there from Atlético Madrid in 2024, has re-emerging interest from Chelsea after they nearly signed him that same summer.
Phillips reports, via his Substack, that Chelsea could try to sign Aghehowa once again, despite his seismic £87 million release clause. He also shares what is 'rare' about this story from his sources.
"We are hearing about a new move to try and sign the 21-year-old striker," the reporter said.
"Samu has 18 goals in 24 games for Porto this season, and last season he ended the campaign with 27 goals in 45 games.
"He has caught Chelsea’s eyes once again, and the rare thing has happened here in that I have been told his name by not just one source, but two of my top sources in just this last week. So that is why I know this is some very serious interest and I’d imagine that contact has been made with his people.
"It’s more than one to watch now as Chelsea know they are lacking in the 9 position yet again."
According to other reports, Chelsea face stiff competition from Tottenham for the 21-year-old, who themselves are looking for an alternative to the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.
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[Perfect Delap replacement: Chelsea make contact to sign "complete" £44m CF](https://www.footballfancast.com/perfect-delap-replacement-chelsea-eyeing-move-to-sign-castro/ "Perfect Delap replacement: Chelsea make contact to sign "complete" £44m CF")
Chelsea are reportedly interested in a deal to sign a star who would be a perfect replacement for Liam Delap.