Enzo Maresca teases another signing despite 10 new summer arrivals already
- Chelsea still searching for another striker to support Nicolas Jackson
- Enzo Maresca insists he doesn't want signings for the sake of it
- Blues want Victor Osimhen but are yet to offload Romelu Lukaku
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca hasn't ruled out the club going after a striker before the rapidly approaching transfer deadline, despite ten new signings already this summer.
The Blues have raised capital for the new arrivals so far by selling off a number of home-grown players at a premium price, bringing in around £120m for Conor Gallagher, Ian Maatsen, Omari Hutchinson and Lewis Hall, the latter of whom had been at Newcastle United on loan.
But among the ten new recruits, only 18-year-old Marc Guiu has arrived up front. Maresca still wants more support for Nicolas Jackson, with Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana unwanted and/or on their way out of the club.
"If we sign for the sake of signing, it's better that we don't sign any more because we don't need to sign players just for the sake of it," Maresca said. "But if we are going to sign players because they are going to help us improve, sure we will sign players – otherwise we are happy with the way we are.
"I love Marc [Guiu]. But if we have a chance to bring in a number nine who can help us, we are going to try. Otherwise, we are okay."
Chelsea continue to be linked with Victor Osimhen, who is hoping to leave Napoli. The Serie A club want Lukaku to reunite the Belgian striker with Antonio Conte once more, but a transfer has proven complicated to arrange in a way that satisfies all parties.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna recently confirmed what Conte had earlier said, stating that "the situation is blocked" regarding Osimhen.
He explained: "Victor is an important player, with an important value and conditions. His desire is clear. We tried to maintain the integrity of the squad at this moment. We are not the only club in this situation and we'll see what happens [until 30 August].
"At this time, it is not right to say what sensations there are. We are working with his entourage to find the best solution. As we said, he is an important player, so it's not that we can just find him anywhere [to play]. He is under contract for another two seasons, so clearly if we don't find a solution by 30 August, we’ll have to talk to the player."
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