Chelsea decide on 'priority' signing for Enzo Maresca as Italian reshapes squad

Chelsea are reportedly looking to recruit a new goalkeeper for incoming boss Enzo Maresca and have already identified two targets. Maresca’s appointment is expected to be confirmed imminently after the Blues agreed a lucrative compensation package with Leicester City.

The Italian is set to sign a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will become Chelsea’s sixth permanent manager in the last five seasons. He will arrive in west London after guiding Leicester back to the Premier League at the first attempt, with the Foxes earning 97 points to finish top of the Championship.

It seems Chelsea are wasting no time in reshaping their squad for Maresca, with the Blues said to be keen on signing a new first-choice goalkeeper. Djordje Petrovic has been their starting option in recent months but, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, he could soon lose his place with the addition of a new stopper thought to be a ‘priority’ for the Blues.

It is said that Chelsea are pressing ahead with their plans to recruit a new goalkeeper with the ability to better suit Maresca’s system. Filip Jorgensen of Villarreal is believed to be a target but the 22-year-old is also admired by Newcastle, who are said to have already staged talks with his representatives.

Valencia stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili is also thought to be ‘admired’ by Chelsea, who were linked with his services earlier this year ahead of a possible summer move. It remains to be seen if a deal can be agreed with Valencia, though, given that Mamardashvili is tied down until 2027 with a release clause of around £85million.

It has already been reported by The Telegraph that Maresca is eager to sign a new goalkeeper upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge. The former Manchester City assistant coach is also believed to be keen on recruiting another left-back as well as a forward before the new Premier League season gets underway.

Chelsea have already agreed their first summer signing with Palmeiras teenager Estevao Willian set to join the Blues for a fee in the region of £51.4m. The winger is regarded as one of the best young talents in Brazil and will become the most expensive teenage player from South America when his move to Chelsea is confirmed.

Meanwhile, a number of players are likely to leave Chelsea over the coming months with Conor Gallagher said to be a target for Tottenham and Aston Villa. Ian Maatsen is also thought to be admired by Borussia Dortmund, who are reportedly exploring a permanent move for his services following his successful loan spell in Germany.