Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to be backed over what is expected to be another eventful summer transfer window at Stamford Bridge, especially after their now-confirmed qualification for the Champions League next season.
Chelsea handed summer transfer boost with Champions League spot confirmed
While Maresca refused to get drawn into any questions about the summer window in his post-match press conference, there is little denying that Chelsea's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday has seriously boosted the club's recruitment strategy.
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The Blues are giving Mikel Arteta serious competition.
Chelsea's finish in the Premier League top five, courtesy of a second-half strike from Cobham academy graduate Levi Colwill against Forest, means BlueCo have been handed a significant potential windfall of around £64 million.
Race for Champions League qualification - Final standings
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The Blues should earn around £48 million just from finishing fourth in the table, while Chelsea are also guaranteed £15.7 million from qualifying for the Champions League, even if Maresca's side lose every game and go out in the league phase (Sky Sports).
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca celebrates after the match
Alongside the financial boost, Chelsea will also have far more player-pull in the market, given they'll be competing in Europe's most prestigious competition next term.
In an x-rated celebratory statement, following their Sunday heroics, Maresca sent a message to his critics after Chelsea's place.
"I didn't have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League," said Maresca on Chelsea's finish to the season.
"They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced. Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything. So in English, how you say? F off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic."
Chelsea could now sign two strikers with Liam Delap set for imminent decision
According to journalist Simon Phillips, their Champions League status now means that Chelsea could sign not one, but two, strikers this summer.
One of their key targets, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, is set to decide on his next destination "this week", and Chelsea are firmly in contention for the Englishman after holding talks with his camp (Fabrizio Romano).
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However, Maresca's side are keen on bringing in one of their two potential new centre-forwards before the Club World Cup, so given Delap's desire to play at the Under-21 Euros with England, this could pose a slight issue.
In terms of other high-profile number nines who could join alongside Delap, it has been reported in the last two days that Chelsea are now "really pushing" for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.