Chelsea prepared to pay £30m for ‘perfect fit’ for Enzo Maresca in January

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Reinforcements could be on their way to Stamford Bridge in January in a potential boost to Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

Maresca has had to deal with a plethora of injury problems this season, with some of his best players currently sidelined.

Cole Palmer missed Chelsea‘s win against Liverpool because of a groin issue, while Levi Colwill started the campaign injured.

Midfielders Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos are also out, but it looks like the Blues and Maresca could now strengthen in their position. Santos has not been called up for Brazil as a result, which will disappoint the 21-year-old.

• READ MORE: Willy Caballero witnessed an even more controversial sending off than Enzo Maresca’s seven years ago

Chelsea ready to offer £30m for Marc Casado

In March, it was claimed that Chelsea made an offer to Marc Casado last summer but were rejected by the Barcelona youngster.

Despite that knock-back, the Club World Cup winners still appear to be interested in him.

According to the Daily Briefing, Chelsea view Casado as a “perfect fit” for their system and are prepared to offer up to €35m (£30.4m) for his signature in January.

Casado is, of course, not the only Barcelona player Chelsea have been looking at. The Conference League holders also have Fermin Lopez on their radar.

While they failed to sign him in the summer, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Lopez remains on Chelsea’s shortlist.

Five clubs could challenge Chelsea for Marc Casado’s signature

Chelsea are not exactly lacking midfield options. Once everyone is fit, Maresca will have Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Santos and Essugo at his disposal.

The problem is Lavia is rarely ever fit, while Essugo’s injury is a serious one. That may be why Chelsea are still considering Casado.

The Daily Briefing’s report says they face competition from Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Marseille, however, so signing the Spaniard will not be straightforward.

A Barcelona star and Spain international for just £30m looks like a real bargain if they can get a deal sorted, though.