Chelsea news: Roméo Lavia set for Stamford Bridge exit as Blues to ramp up pursuit of Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
Chelsea have had an odd season - despite a strong start under Enzo Maresca, inconsistency has crept into the Blues’ campaign.
The West London club have been hit by somewhat of an injury crisis, with senior players such as Malo Gusto, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke all currently sidelined.
Star midfielder Cole Palmer’s recent run of poor form will not have helped either, with the England international without a goal contribution in Chelsea’s last nine games in all competitions.
Maresca’s side looks set to qualify for the Champions League next season, and the Italian seemingly already has his eyes on the summer transfer window.
Chelsea interested in Kobbie Mainoo
As per Caught Offside’s Jac Talbot, Chelsea have renewed their interest in Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
The Blues were keen on a move for the 19-year-old in January after contract talks between Mainoo and United stalled.
After becoming an integral part of the Red Devils’ set-up, Mainoo wants a bigger contract - one that is in line with some of United’s biggest stars.
The Manchester club are infamous for having several of their players on massive wages, so it is no surprise that the Stockport-born youngster is after a significant raise.
According to the Guardian, Mainoo is set to reject Man United’s latest contract offer.
Ruben Amorim and the Old Trafford hierarchy have reportedly set a £75million price tag for the Englandman, and Chelsea are once again keen to bring the midfielder to Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca ready for Stamford Bridge clear out
Free-spending Chelsea are poised for a relatively quiet summer transfer window and will not spend as lavishly as they have in the past, as reported by Caught Offside.
The Blues will have to raise funds if they are to meet Manchester United’s asking price for Mainoo and are ready to offload midfielder Roméo Lavia to do so.
Since the Belgian moved to Stamford Bridge in August 2023 for £58million from Southampton, the 21-year-old has made just 13 appearances in all competitions.
To put that into perspective, since leaving the Saints, Lavia has missed 415 days through injury - that is 65 games at the time of writing.
Maresca has seemingly run out of patience and is ready to axe the midfielder to help fund a move for Mainoo.
While Lavia is undoubtedly a very talented young footballer, it remains to be seen if anyone will be willing to take a punt on a player with such a bad injury record.
Although, apparently, Arsenal are on the lookout…
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