The latest news from Chelsea as the Blues prepare to face Barcelona in the Champions League
Chelsea climbed to second in the Premier League this weekend as a huge week awaits Enzo Maresca’s side. The Blues welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in the Champions League before facing Arsenal next weekend.
Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Neto secured a 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday. The Blues will now face runaway table-toppers Arsenal next Sunday in the Premier League with Maresca having a lengthy injury list to contend with, that includes Cole Palmer.
However, first up is a huge glamour tie with Hansi Flick’s Catalan giants. Maresca was in reflective mood about a crunch week for Chelsea, nevertheless.
“It’s a big week,” he said. “But at the end of this week, then we have Leeds away, Bournemouth away, Atalanta away, so it’s another big one. It’s always a big week, they are all important games, at the end of every game is three points”. Mirror Football now takes a look at the latest news coming out of Stamford Bridge.
Maresca issues update on future
Maresca has given an update on his Chelsea future after the Italian was asked about his desire to manage in Spain one day. The former Leicester City head coach signed a five-year deal with Chelsea last year, with an option for a further year.
READ MORE: Chelsea issue Cole Palmer injury update as Enzo Maresca plan for Barcelona clash clearREAD MORE: Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City’s next 5 fixtures as Gunners open up lead at top
He has already won the Conference League and the Club World Cup with the Blues and has his side hot on the heels of Premier League leaders Arsenal. However, Maresca spent a significant amount of time in Spain during his playing days and in his managerial career and he refused to rule out a move to La Liga sometime in the future.
Asked about his plans for the future in Monday’s press conference. ahead of the Barca tie, he said: “I decided to become a manager because of Pep (Guardiola’s) Barcelona years ago.
“You know me because you are always in my press conference, even when you ask me what’s happening in three-four months, I always say, I don’t know.
“In this moment I’m very happy to be at this huge club, again one of the best clubs in the world, and this is the most important thing.”
Chelsea target’s feelings are clear
Chelsea have been linked with Nottingham Forest defender Murillo for some time. The Blues are said to have had an offer for the star knocked back in January after Forest wanted a record fee for the defender.
The 21-year-old joined the Premier League in a £15 million deal from Brazilian side Corinthians in August 2023 and has been one of Forest’s standout performers ever since.
The 23-year-old Brazilian would not come cheap for Chelsea however. Murillo’s name was in lights once again at the weekend as he scored against Liverpool in Forest’s shock 3-0 win at Anfield, but with the Blues having conceded 12 goals this term, it’s believed Maresca is wanting to strengthen their backline.
Murillo has previously addressed speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge on the Benja Me Mucho YouTube channel in 2024. The centre-back admitted that he has one eye on moving on, hoping Sean Dyche’s side will respect his decision, wherever he ends up next – giving Chelsea a boost in their reported ongoing pursuit.
“I don’t know if it’s 70 (million), but I know there was a buzz of interest,” he said on his rumoured price tag. “So, I don’t know exactly how much the amount is, but I know there was interest. I’ve received a few offers.
“Some official, others sounding out. I’ll take it up with my manager. They were clubs from England, Italy and Germany. If I stay in Nottingham, I’ll do my best. If I leave, I hope they respect my decision. I’m calm and analysing it in the best way.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
