Chelsea handed boost in pursuit of former player

Enzo Maresca will take charge of Chelsea for the first time when they host Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.

The Italian was appointed as the successor to Mauricio Pochettino earlier this summer, following the Argentine’s departure by mutual consent.

Maresca’s side have struggled during pre-season, though, with their only win coming against Mexican champions Club America.

Now, it appears that those in charge of the club have been dealt a boost as they pursue one of the world’s most expensive players.

As per The Telegraph’s Matt Law, Chelsea and Spanish side Atletico Madrid are set to renew talks over potential moves for Joao Felix and Conor Gallagher.

Felix could still make a sensational return to Chelsea this summer

Midfielder Gallagher has been heavily linked with a move to the La Liga side for several weeks now, but the proposed switch appeared to have collapsed earlier this week when the player returned to London.

Chelsea, meanwhile, had originally been pursuing Atletico’s Samu Omorodion, but that proposed deal also fell through.

The Blues then turned their attention to Atletico’s Joao Felix, who spent six months on loan at Stamford Bridge last year.

Law claims that the Portugal international has given Chelsea the impression that he will adhere to the club’s wage structure and, in doing so, take a pay cut.

Despite this, the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement over a fee for the Portuguese attacker, who can play in a variety of positions and cost Atleti a staggering £113 million back in 2019.

The Spanish side need to raise funds to afford the move for Gallagher, and had therefore offered Felix to Chelsea when the proposed move for Omorodion collapsed.

Chelsea, though, are reluctant to agree to another loan deal and will only sign Felix, 24, on their own terms and on a permanent basis.