Chelsea still appear to be interested in Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
In March, it was claimed that Chelsea were considering making a summer move for Mainoo.
In the end, nothing happened, but it looks like he could still be on their radar. One journalist is not ruling out Chelsea signing Mainoo because of their transfer strategy.
The position that Chelsea MUST strengthen in 2026 is _ _ _ _ _ _
Chelsea owner Behdad Eghbali and directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart at Wolves game
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However, one of the club’s former managers could beat them to his signature.
Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli reacts
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Kobbie Mainoo’s preference is Napoli
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are one of 12 clubs who are chasing Mainoo. Napoli are also thought to be keen on the 20-year-old and may have the best chance of signing him.
The same outlet claims that Napoli are Mainoo’s preference, with the United star keen to move to somewhere where he will play regularly.
That is unlikely to happy at Chelsea, who already have Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo in their squad.
Romeo Lavia’s injury record could force Chelsea to sign a new midfielder in 2026. Who would you buy if Kobbie Mainoo isn’t available?
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have both been mentioned 👀
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia preparing a pass and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo jogging
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Reece James has also been playing in midfield lately, partly because of Caicedo’s suspension.
It means former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte could end up getting his hands on Mainoo instead of Maresca.
Chelsea already did business with United last summer, signing Alejandro Garnacho from their rivals. Garnacho pressed well against Everton on Saturday, and Maresca will be hoping for Mainoo to do the same if he does move to Stamford Bridge one day.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United
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Kobbie Mainoo’s number of starts this season surprising
Despite all of his talent, Ruben Amorim has constantly overlooked Mainoo in the current campaign.
In total, he has made just one start, which came in the second round of the Carabao Cup. It is a real surprise that he has not received a chance in the Premier League.
If things do not change, Mainoo is almost certain to leave Old Trafford in 2026. With Chelsea unable to offer him a starting role, though, a move to Napoli or somewhere else may be more likely.
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