Chelsea have held extensive talks over signing a former Fulham star who José Mourinho personally wants at Fenerbahçe, according to reports, with Enzo Maresca and BlueCo looking to shore up a key area.
The positions Chelsea are looking to strengthen this summer
The west Londoners took a huge step towards Champions League qualification by beating Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 over the weekend, a result which puts some wiggle room between them and Nottingham Forest in sixth.
£60m star tempted to re-join Chelsea as BlueCo eye potential reunion
The ex-Blue is contemplating a return to Stamford Bridge.
ByEmilio GalantiniMay 6, 2025
Arsenal’s journey to the Champions League semi-finals means the English top flight has been awarded an extra qualifying place for next term, so finishing fifth would guarantee a spot for Chelsea in the competition.
Newcastle (away)
May 11th
Man United (home)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)
May 25th
This is excellent news for Maresca, as a place in next season’s Champions League draw is widely reported to have a big impact on the club’s summer transfer plans.
Chelsea will also be busy behind-the-scenes, as there will be a special edition transfer window open from June 1st to June 10th – which allows the Blues and Man City to sign players before the Club World Cup begins.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea want a centre-back, winger and forward as three top priorities. Depending on player sales and their European status, Maresca’s side could also go after another central defender, a left-back, goalkeeper and versatile attacking player.
There are also suggestions that Chelsea are still looking at signing another midfielder. While Roméo Lavia has performed excellently when available, the Belgian’s injury woes have left Maresca short in that area far too consistently.
Chelsea expressed a serious interest in Man United starlet Kobbie Mainoo back in January, holding talks with his agents, but the England international ultimately remained at Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old’s importance to Ruben Amorim could place him too far out of Chelsea’s reach, with Maresca’s side believed to be keen on Napoli star Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa as a potential alternative.
The 60-cap Cameroon international is a key starter for Antonio Conte’s title-chasing Napoli side, bagging six goals and five assists in all competitions. Anguissa could also add some much-needed experience to the squad, with Chelsea already making moves for him.
Chelsea hold extensive talks over signing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, via Sport Witness, Chelsea have held more than one round of negotiations over signing Anguissa ahead of the summer.
The 29-year-old is also keen to make a Premier League return, in an act of personal redemption, as he believes that he’s got far more to offer in Europe’s most prestigious division.
The former Fulham midfielder also has a real admirer in Mourinho, according to reports in Turkey, which claim the tactician is personally keen to sign him for Fenerbahçe (Fanatik).
Anguissa’s contract includes a £38 million release clause as well, but it is unclear just how much Chelsea would be willing to pay for a player whose fast approaching 30.
In any case, there is little denying the African’s quality, and his form this season is turning heads at Cobham. Previously called a “machine” by ex-teammate Joachim Andersen, Anguissa would undoubtedly provide Maresca’s midfield with real steel.