Maresca wants new signings this summerMaresca wants new signings this summer
Maresca wants new signings this summer | Getty Images
Chelsea have been told to pay big money for a player coming off a disappointing season.
Chelsea have been handed a huge asking price as they line up a winger signing this summer. The Blues are expected to have a big summer on the transfer front, already off to a fast start with the £30million signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
Another striker could yet be signed, while the other priorities include a centre-back and a winger. Enzo Maresca enjoyed a fine campaign in charge of Chelsea, leading them to a top four finish and a Conference League title, but the work does not stop this summer.
Not only must Chelsea attempt to build a squad capable of getting closer to the title race next season, but they are also in FIFA Club World Cup action for much of the summer, kicking off their campaign in the United States next week.
In the meantime, the search for new players goes on, and it looks as though Maresca wants a goalkeeper before the early window shuts on June 10. There is also likely to be plenty of attention on a winger signing, and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens appears to be the primary target.
But there are options beyond Gittens, and it’s reported that West Ham star Mohammed Kudus could also be an option. According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Chelsea are considering Kudus as an option, while West Ham have also asked about Robert Sanchez, who is expected to leave if a new keeper is found.
Solhekol wrote on X: “Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus. They have not said no at this stage and are considering whether to add him to list of targets. During discussions they were asked about the availability of Robert Sanchez. The goalkeeper worked with West Ham manager Graham Potter when they were together at Brighton.
“Mohammed Kudus turned down chance of more than trebling his salary by moving to Saudi Arabia. A Saudi Pro League club were willing to pay close to West Ham’s £70m valuation. He does not want to move there at the moment but he's likely to leave West Ham this summer. West Ham would expect to almost double the £38m they paid Ajax two years ago. They've been offered players in part exchange but that could increase their wage bill. Kudus is ambitious and Champions League clubs will be options.”
That asking price might scare off Chelsea who can likely pay significantly less for Gittens, while they have just seen Kudus endure a difficult season with West Ham.
Kudus struggles
Kudus hugely impressed during his first season with the club, but he only managed five goals and four assists this season, which is not the form of a £70million player. Speaking back in April about the winger’s struggles, West Ham boss Graham Potter said: “I think Mo has had probably a bad season that, from his perspective, would be a little bit disappointing, not because of his lack of effort or anything like that, but sometimes these things happen.
“Football can go like that sometimes. You can have a little spell when it doesn’t quite happen for you in front of goal or your final pass just doesn’t quite get there. It doesn’t take much to turn that round. Speaking personally, he’s been great with us in terms of how he’s worked every day, fantastic. He has built his fitness up, built his condition up to the point where he can sustain things a lot better now.”
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