Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is expected to be handed a leadership role in the squad this summer under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Fernandez has just returned to Chelsea training and had to begin the new era with an apology to the Blues squad after filming himself singing an offensive chant about French players alongside a number of his Argentina teammates after the Copa America triumph.

Reports suggested Fernandez’s video had angered many in the Chelsea camp, including Wesley Fofana, who went public with his frustrations, but a private apology from the midfielder is believed to have put the issue to bed.

Fernandez was even handed the captain’s armband by Reece James when the full-back left the recent friendly against Real Madrid and the Evening Standard state the 23-year-old is expected to take on more of a leadership role next season.

After the defeat to Madrid, Maresca acknowledged Fernandez’s importance to the team.

“He’s one of the important players,” said Maresca.

“To be honest, I think when we changed Reece he gave the ‘bracelet’ to Enzo and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad. I think it’s quite clear.”

James will remain team captain but what is less certain is the future of current vice-captain Ben Chilwell.

The left-back was an unused substitute in three of Chelsea’s five friendlies in the United States, playing 45 minutes against Wrexham and 19 against Club America, with Maresca’s preferred tactical system failing to find the space for a traditional full-back like Chilwell.

Reports have suggested Chelsea would be prepared to listen to offers for Chilwell, whose contract at Stamford Bridge still has three years left to run.

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