Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is “involved” in early discussions about who the club should target in the transfer market this summer, according to reports.

There have been doubts over whether the Blues will retain the Italian’s services if the club doesn’t qualify for the Champions League.

However, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Maresca has the full backing of Chelsea’s board despite the side’s indifferent form in recent months.

They regard the 45-year-old as “untouchable”, and while their position could still change, he is currently deep into planning the make-up of his squad ahead of next season.

3 positions are likely to be strengthened

The club’s focus is believed to be on recruiting a striker, a midfielder and a left winger between now and next August.

Although Maresca is a massive fan of Nicolas Jackson, the feeling is that the Senegalese international needs more direct competition for his place up front.

In terms of the midfield, Romeo Lavia has struggled to stay fit, while summer signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has failed to reach the level required. Mykhailo Mudryk’s preliminary drugs ban means that strengthening the left flank is also a priority.

Who could Chelsea sign for each position?

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Ipswich’s Liam Delap, Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are expected to be among the candidates to reinforce the frontline.

Several left-wingers have also been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, including Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.

When it comes to midfielders, Leao’s club teammate Tijjani Reijnders has been mentioned as a potential option over the past week. Alternatively, there is a possibility that the club will make Andrey Santos part of the first team setup after a successful loan spell with Strasbourg.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here