Despite an already-bloated squad, Chelsea are still locked in talks as they seek to add another forward to their ranks before the window shuts.
A deal for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix would allow Conor Gallager to complete his move to Spain, while Osimhen could join on loan with Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku heading in the other direction.
However, speaking ahead of Chelsea’s season opener versus Manchester City, new boss Maresca refused to comment on any of the deals.
‘The only I can say is they are not our players so it’s not correct to talk about a Napoli player or Atletico Madrid player,’ the Italian said.
However, Maresca did hint that he had made his feelings clear to the board over a potential new striker joining the club.
‘The club knows exactly what I think in terms of what we need and hopefully before we finish the transfer window, we can bring in some players,’ he added.
Even with Gallagher and Lukaku training away from the first-team squad, Maresca conceded he still needs more outgoings to afford him a more manageable squad.
‘At the moment, if I start to think I have 43 players, it is not a good thing,’ he said.
‘Paul and Laurence [the sporting directors] are in charge of finding solutions for these players, not me.’
Club captain Reece James won’t be one of those players available for selection this weekend having picked up an injury in a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid.
But Maresca is hopeful of getting his latest new signing, Pedro Neto, involved after the Portuguese winger completed his move from Wolves.
‘His physical condition is good. The only problem with Pedro is he has only been here for two or three days and needs to understand the way we want to play but he is completely fit,’ he said.
![This is the stuff Legends are made of! The Osbournes podcast is a true treasure trove! For instance, Did Ozzy REALLY snort a line of ants as depicted in Motley Crue’s 2019 bio-pic, The Dirt? ** Did Ozzy Osbourne actually snort a line of ants while on tour with Mötley Crüe in the ’80s? As for whether that story is actually true, that depends on which Osbourne you ask. Ozzy says yes, but Sharon isn’t sure. **From The Osbournes:** Jack: “Did you actually snort ants?” Ozzy: “Yeah.” Jack: “Did he actually snort ants Mom?” Sharon: “I was not there, thank God. I used to try and stay away from Motley when they were with Ozzy. I don’t know. All I know is that I think it made their movie. And I wanna know why, now we’re on the subject, of why, when they advertise their movie on Netflix, it’s a picture of a guy imitating Ozzy. Why isn’t the ad campaign a picture of Motley Crue?” Jack: “‘Cause Ozzy Osbourne’s bigger than Motley Crue.” Sharon: “No, the thing is, I just think it’s an invasion.” Ozzy: “No. No. No. Stop. Stop. Stop. Let’s move on.” Sharon: “Nikki Sixx. Ass****.” Ozzy: “No, he’s not.” Sharon: “Yes, he [bleeping] is.” Jack: “So, did Dad snort the line of ants? Ozzy: “I did, I was there, I did it,” Ozzy says. “It’s my nostril … I was drunk, and I did it…600](https://www.9inenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1752880029972-120x86.jpg)
