“He will take Palmer to the next level” – Enzo Maresca want to sign “world-class” £50m star who’d take Palmer to the next level
After a season in which they nearly missed out on several titles but were able to requalify for a European competition, Chelsea has had a complete overhaul this summer.
It was insufficient, though, to keep Mauricio Pochettino in his position.
After he was fired at the end of May, the Blues board decided to look for a new manager to lead the team into the 2024–2025 season. They chose Enzo Maresca, the manager of Leicester City, who successfully returned the Foxes to the top tier on their first try.
Pep Guardiola’s pupil Maresca will face a difficult challenge in trying to turn around Chelsea’s cup record, as the team hasn’t won a Premier League championship since Antonio Conte guided them to victory.
If Maresca is to replicate such a feat, Chelsea will likely have to dip into the transfer market once more this summer, with the Blues already being linked with one player who’s had a monster tournament at Euro 2024.
Chelsea interested in £50m talent this summer
According to journalist Ryan Taylor, Chelsea have shown concrete interest in signing RB Leipzig’s attacking midfielder Dani Olmo this summer.
The Spaniard, who has registered three goals and two assists at this summer’s European Championships, has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his current contract with the Bundesliga side, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that it’s only active until July 20th.
The Blues aren’t the only side interested in the 26-year-old’s signature, with multiple Spanish sides also in contention for his services, as per Taylor’s report.
However, his impressive stint under Luis de la Fuente during the ongoing tournament is evidence that Olmo is capable of producing on some of the world’s greatest stages, making him perfect for the Premier League.
His talents are there for everyone to see, with his figures allowing one member of Maresca’s squad to reach the next level in 2024/25.
Why Olmo would allow Palmer to reach the next level
No Chelsea fan could have imagined the impact Cole Palmer would make in his first full campaign at Stamford Bridge after his £40m move from fellow Premier League side Manchester City last summer.
The subsequent transfer allowed the 22-year-old to produce some excellent stats which include 22 goals and 11 assists in his 34 league outings – nearly one goal contribution in every game, a staggering record.
However, Olmo’s potential arrival at Stamford Bridge could allow the England international to reach the next level under Maresca, with his Spaniard’s stats allowing him to create endless opportunities for his teammates.
In the Bundesliga during the 2023/24 campaign, Olmo contributed with nine goals or assists in his 21 appearances – an average of one goal involvement every 2.3 matches he featured in.
However, his chance creation is nothing short of superb, with his technical ability propelling him to create endless opportunities for players such as Palmer.
The “world-class” Olmo, as dubbed by journalist Victor Catalina, also averaged 1.9 successful take-ons per 90, further showcasing his ability with the ball at his feet, as seen at the European Championships in recent weeks.
With Chelsea wanting to close the gap to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, Olmo has the ability to transform the club’s fortunes, providing the added threat Maresca is hunting for in the final third.
Given the fact his release clause expires in just nine days time, the Blues will have to act swiftly if they are to sign the Spain international.