Chelsea's Message to Victor Osimhen: Enzo Maresca Shares Transfer Plans

Head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that Chelsea are considering making a move for another striker before the transfer window closes.

Joao Felix’s arrival from Atletico Madrid marked the Blues’ tenth signing of another jam-packed summer but the club appear keen to sign another striker.

Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are already on the books, while youngster Marc Guiu made his first competitive start for the club, missing a golden opportunity in a 2-0 win over Servette in the Conference League.

Victor Osimhen remains heavily linked with a move away from Napoli, with Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku closing in on a move in the other direction.

Asked about the club’s plans to target a striker in the closing stages of the transfer window, Maresca said: ‘If we have the chance to bring in a nine that can help us and make the difference, then we are going to try. Otherwise, we are okay.

‘We do not need to sign players just to sign players. If we sign players and they help us to improve, then for sure we need players.

‘Otherwise, we are happy with the way we are.’

Representatives from the two clubs have reportedly met in London to try and thrash out both deals, but the signing of Osimhen could prove difficult as Chelsea want a loan deal while Napoli prefer a permanent sale.

Meanwhile, Maresca confirmed that new signing Joao Felix could play from the start on Sunday against Wolves but conceded Pedro Neto is not ready to play a full 90 minutes.

‘In terms of knowing the way we want to play, probably not yet. In terms of physicality, I think he is ready because he was already playing games there [at Atletico Madrid],’ Maresca said of Joao Felix’s fitness.

‘He needs more time to understand the way we want to play but overall I think he can play.’

When asked about Neto’s fitness, he replied: ‘Pedro, the last time he played 90 minutes was in February. You can imagine, a long time ago.

‘We need with him, and seven or eight more players; Romeo [Lavia], Axel [Disasi], Moises [Caicedo], Wesley [Fofana], these types of players, we need to also build the physical condition.

‘Probably Thursdau for Pedro, playing 65 or 60 minutes, probably to give him another game on Sunday is too early but we’ll see. Pedro is the kind of winger, you see in the first half, is always trying one-versus-one and is creating momentum that is very important for the team.’

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