When Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino announced that both parties had parted ways mutually last week, it came with a lot of surprise from fans but further reaction from the London club, who managed to secure European football out of an inconsistent season.

The London club set aside the characteristic that the manager, who will replace the Argentinian, must possess before being considered for the job. The Blues insisted that they were looking for the manager who would prioritize positive football and attacking style of play while also competing with Manchester City and Pep Guardiola as well as Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.

Almost immediately, a number of Managers where listed including former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna.

However, it is the man who led Leicester City back to the Premier League by finishing in the first position that has got their attention of Chelsea owners. Enzo Maresca, who was previously an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, is Chelsea’s favorite option, although the duo of Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca have not been completely ruled out.

Barely 24 hours after Ipswich Town’s manager Kieran McKenna was ruled out of a move to Chelsea, after the Tractors offered them a contract extension with building interest also from Manchester United, who were willing to make him their manager if they sacked Erik Ten Hag, Chelsea have put all their attention on Maresca.

Furthermore, it is evident that Enzo Maresca is very keen on becoming Chelsea manager, and a deal could be agreed upon before Friday to make him the Chelsea manager.

The 44-year-old Italian could move any moment both clubs agree a deal as Leicester are seeking £8m-£10m in compensation for Maresca joining the Stamford Bridge club who will know their UEFA Conference League opponents in August.