Enzo Maresca should now keep hold of ‘high-level’ Chelsea star after transfer target signs new deal

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Chelsea and Enzo Maresca can cross off one of the transfer targets on their list after a recent development.

So far, Chelsea have spent this transfer window trying to improve their attack, with Jamie Gittens expected to join new signing Joao Pedro at the club very soon.

Newcastle United were interested in the latter, but Pedro wanted to play at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are still considering revamping their defence, though, but one player on their radar is now unavailable.

• READ MORE: Joao Pedro names the Chelsea player who helped persuade him to join over Newcastle United

Enzo Maresca should retain Trevoh Chalobah after Jarrad Branthwaite blow

Jarrad Branthwaite just signed a new contract at Everton, which could have an impact on Chelsea and Trevoh Chalobah.

Chelsea were interested in signing Branthwaite, but a new deal practically rules out a transfer this summer.

It means Enzo Maresca may have to keep hold of Chalobah. If the Chelsea manager has the choice, then he should.

The 25-year-old was excellent for the Blues last season following his return from his loan spell at Crystal Palace in January.

Chalobah rarely put a foot wrong and was often the man to get rid of danger when in the side. That can be seen from the amount of clearances he averaged per game in the Premier League.

Branthwaite is not the only central defender on Chelsea’s list. Chelsea also like Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, who can also play at left-back.

But sometimes, it does feel as if the club just buy footballers for the sake of it. They have Chalobah, who has already proved that he can perform at this level.

Thomas Tuchel’s verdict on Trevoh Chalobah’s 2024/25 season

Chelsea could sell Chalobah, but if Thomas Tuchel were still at the club, it is unlikely that the England international would be on the market.

The German, who worked with Chalobah during his time in the Stamford Bridge dugout, rates him highly.

It was Tuchel who gave Chalobah his England debut recently and before the match he told BBC Sport and other outlets: “On Trevoh, he deserves it [his call-up]. Easy as that. He has played a fantastic second half of the season with Chelsea. He has been very consistent at a very high level.”

Give him another chance next term, and Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali could end up saving a lot of money.