Chelsea are among the front runners to sign Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham in the summer according to reports.
The Blues had a quiet January window much to the disappointment of supporters and are now facing a critical summer.
Chelsea need a striker, centre back, left winger and possibly a left back if they decide to sell Renato Veiga following his loan at Juventus.
Chelsea among front runners for Bellingham
Planning is already thought to have begun for the summer window, with Maresca said to be involved in that process.
It’s fair to say this could be the most important window under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership, and the club simply can’t get it wrong.
A striker is arguably the biggest priority and Chelsea are said to be leading the race for Liam Delap, whilst Benjamin Sesko is also said to be of interest.
Jobe Bellingham in action for Sunderland against Sheffield Wednesday.
Bellingham has four goals and three assists in 32 appearances this season. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
At the other end of the pitch the Blues could go back in for Marc Guehi who they tried to sign in January, and the England international will only have a year left on his contract come the end of the season.
However, the Blues are seemingly targeting another area of the pitch with Football Insider reporting Chelsea are among the front runners for Sunderland star Bellingham, who’s the younger brother of Real Madrid midfielder Jude.
The report states Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund are the front runners for the 19-year-old who has impressed for the Black Cats this season as they sit fourth in the Championship.
Football Insider add that numerous other Premier League and European clubs are monitoring the teenager, and it seems there’s going to be a fierce race for his signature in the summer.
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Ally McCoist doing punditry.
Enzo Maresca fist pumps for the fans.
Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta in a photo montage.
A move for Bellingham doesn’t make much sense for Chelsea given they have Andrey Santos returning, with the Brazilian set for a key role in the squad next season, not to mention the plethora of other options they have.
However, nothing can be ruled out in football, and as we’ve seen you always have to expect the unexpected with Chelsea in the transfer window.