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'Ruthless' Maresca wants TWO Chelsea positions upgraded in January
Tom Weber
- Updated: 8 Sept 2025 20:51 BST
- 4 min read
News
Enzo Maresca is 'unconvinced' by his defensive options at Chelsea, according to a report.
The Blues are coming off a massive summer window in which they managed to raise more money than they spent, having been told by UEFA that they must finish the transfer period with a positive balance to be able to register new players for the Champions League.
A whopping €328.2 million was still spent on new recruits, with Chelsea wheeling and dealing right up until Deadline Day. However, what the club's recruitment team did not do was add a centre-back following Levi Colwill's unfortunate ACL injury.
Current ETV
Levi Colwill
D (C)
Chelsea
Levi Colwill
D (C)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€52.1M - €63.6M
Despite Enzo Maresca reiterating several times that he felt that the team was short on options capable of adequately carrying out Colwill's defensive responsibilities, Chelsea opted not to dip into the market for a new centre-back.
According to TEAMtalk, a decision was made to back the defenders already at the club, which has allowed the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Josh Acheampong to collect minutes in the absence of Colwill and Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea to be 'ruthless' in January
However, the report mentions that Chelsea and Maresca will not shy away from making 'ruthless' decisions in January if they feel the side is too frail defensively or if potential upgrades become available.
The same applies to the goalkeeper position, it is claimed. Chelsea, of course, tried to sign AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup, only to leave the talks after having two low-ball bids rejected.
Robert Sanchez has retained his No.1 position, and he managed to win over some of the club's supporters with his Club World Cup performances, but many remain unconvinced about the Spaniard.
Should he continue to make high-profile mistakes at the rate he did last season, Chelsea will look to replace him, although whether Maignan could be a January reinforcement remains to be seen.
Recent reports have suggested that the Blues are in a strong position to sign the Frenchman on a free transfer, but this would be for next summer. AC Milan will surely be unwilling to sanction their captain's departure in January, even if it would be their last chance to collect a fee.
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