Chelsea are embracing yet another new era with Enzo Maresca plucked from Leicester City to become the new Blues boss this summer.
Todd Boehly and co have made another managerial change as the Stamford Bridge dugout welcomes its newest inhabitant.
Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino have all taken charge of Chelsea in the Boehly era with the latter departing in May.
Chelsea locked in on Maresca as their new boss, seemingly impressed with the Italian’s work as he guided Leicester City to promotion from the Championship.
This is a big risk for the Blues; Maresca pushes Pep Guardiola-esque tactics but his high-powered Leicester side suffered some struggles in their promotion campaign.
Maresca faces a big first summer at Chelsea and whilst the focus will be on signings, some players will have to leave in order to balance the books.
NBA star sends Conor Gallagher warning to Chelsea
Chelsea have spent massively in recent years and signed so many young players, almost stockpiling for the future.
Players have had to move on though and we saw Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz all sold to Premier League rivals last summer.
There may be a similar situation this summer too – and Conor Gallagher has emerged as the most likely sale.
The midfielder spent much of the season captaining Chelsea but is out of contract in 2025.
HITC understands that Gallagher is frustrated that Chelsea haven’t offered him a new deal amid interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea would, ideally, like to sell Gallagher this month in order to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Gallagher would count as complete profit on the books thanks to him coming through the club’s ranks and he could be offloaded just like Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah this summer.
This would be a very controversial move with many Chelsea fans wanting Gallagher – who was often the heartbeat of the side this past season – to stay put.
NBA star Josh Hart has even joined the conversation having taken to social media to share his feelings.
The New Yorks Knicks forward has never hidden his love for Chelsea but has sent a clear message about Gallagher’s future.
Hart responded to rumours of Gallagher’s exit by stating just four words – ‘please don’t sell him’.
Chelsea fans in the replies were mixed with some believing that now is the time to sell and bring in crucial funds.
Others are right on board, urging Chelsea to listen to Hart and make sure that Gallagher stays in West London.
That no new contract is on the table suggests that Chelsea are preparing to sell, but fans would surely rather sell to Villa than Tottenham.
Losing a homegrown talent, one who has been wearing the armband at Stamford Bridge, would be difficult enough for some fans without allowing him to join a bitter rival in Tottenham.
Villa and Chelsea are also discussing a potential deal involving striker Jhon Duran and that may well open the door to Gallagher’s potential exit – possibly upsetting some supporters in the process.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
