Enzo Maresca a huge fan of ‘exceptional’ midfielder but Chelsea fail with offer to sign him

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There are a lot of talented midfielders and attackers in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea squad, including the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.

Caicedo and Fernandez are exceptional midfielders, while Palmer is easily one of the best No.10s in the Premier League.

It was recently confirmed that Palmer will actually wear the No.10 shirt now, which was previously being worn by Mykhailo Mudryk.

For all of the talent that Chelsea have in midfield and the No.10 position, though, they are still reportedly interested in someone who can operate in both areas.

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Enzo Maresca a fan of Fermin Lopez

Chelsea have just signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, but the Blues clearly have no intention of stopping there.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Maresca really likes Barcelona star Fermin Lopez and Chelsea have made a proposal for him.

The Conference League winners have offered Christopher Nkunku in a swap deal, but Mundo Deportivo’s report claims that Barcelona have turned it down as they prioritise bringing in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz to strengthen their attack.

In January, it had been claimed that Barcelona could consider Nkunku as a Raphinha replacement, but the Brazilian is not going anywhere now after signing a new contract with the club last month.

While Barcelona may not be a possible destination for him this summer, Nkunku is attracting interest from Juventus. As for Lopez, who has “exceptional energy” in the eyes of Spain manager Luis de la Fuente (via Barca Blaugranes), it looks like he will be remaining at the Camp Nou.

Tony Cascarino slams Christopher Nkunku

One person who will not be too disappointed to see Nkunku depart Stamford Bridge is former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino.

Cascarino was very critical about Nkunku when he discussed his time in west London at the start of the month.

“Nkunku has been a real surprise to me,” Cascarino said. “He’s just never got going at Chelsea at all. Done really well in Germany but still hasn’t got going here.”

Having allegedly offered Nkunku to Barcelona in their bid to sign Lopez, Chelsea have clearly made the Frenchman available. But it seems like the La Liga champions are not going to bite.