Chelsea are now very close to appointing their next manager.

The Blues have been linked with a bunch of names since Mauricio Pochettino left the club last Tuesday. They have been in talks with a couple of candidates as well.

Now, it looks like Chelsea have decided who they want, and they are in advanced negotiations to complete the appointment.

The latest on Enzo Maresca as Chelsea enter ‘advanced’ negotiations

Chelsea had four options for their vacant managerial position over the weekend.

The Blues were linked with Enzo Maresca of Chelsea, Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town, former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

McKenna pulled out of the race to become the next Blues boss over the weekend, so that left just three names on Chelsea’s list.

Now, The Telegraph have shared the latest on the situation.

It has been revealed that Maresca is the number one target for Chelsea’s ownership, who have now asked Leicester City for permission to speak to him.

The report adds that the Italian is now very close to leaving the King Power Stadium to take over at Chelsea, with negotiations now at an ‘advanced’ stage between all parties.

Chelsea will have to pay Leicester a fee in the region of £10 million in compensation to close the deal.

What Chelsea’s board think of Maresca

Enzo Maresca did a fantastic job as Leicester City‘s manager in the 2023/24 season.

The Italian, who was hailed by Pep Guardiola for his ‘incredible‘ contribution as his assistant in Manchester City’s treble-winning season, helped the Foxes lift the Championship title.

It was always only a matter of time before he left Leicester for a bigger club, and it now looks like he’s on his way to Chelsea to become their next manager.

The report claims that people in Chelsea’s board think Maresca is the ‘ideal fit’ for the club after he impressed them in talks.

They are convinced he is the one, and if things go to plan, he should be announced as Pochettino’s successor in the coming days.