Enzo Maresca will be eager to end Chelsea’s Premier League campaign on a high when his side travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 25 May. With a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League still within reach, the stakes are high for the Blues.

Chelsea were held to a 1–1 draw by Forest in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge back in October. Chris Wood gave the visitors the lead shortly after the interval before Noni Madueke restored parity on the hour mark. Despite dominating possession, Chelsea struggled to break down Forest’s deep defensive block on that occasion.

While Maresca continues to put his players through their paces at Cobham this week, the club’s hierarchy are busy laying the groundwork for what promises to be a hectic summer of transfer activity.

Dean Huijsen Arrives in London Ahead of Real Madrid Move

According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Dean Huijsen arrived in London on Friday afternoon to undergo a medical before completing a move to Real Madrid. The 20-year-old central defender had previously been linked with a switch to Chelsea, but Real acted swiftly to secure his services.

Romano reports that Huijsen is set to sign a five-year contract with the Spanish giants and will immediately begin preparations for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Xabi Alonso, who is expected to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager, is believed to have played a crucial role in the deal, viewing the Bournemouth loanee as the ideal addition to his defensive ranks. A fee in the region of £50 million is understood to have been agreed.

Maresca Confirms Desire to Strengthen Forward Line

Enzo Maresca has publicly confirmed that Chelsea are targeting a new striker in the upcoming transfer window. Speaking to the media ahead of the Blues’ recent match against Manchester United, the Italian addressed concerns about the impact of limited attacking competition on Nicolas Jackson’s development.

“I’m not able to answer now because I don’t know the other part — if a number nine was here,” said Maresca. “For sure, with us, in my personal opinion, he has grown and improved a lot. Now, if another No. 9 was here, is it better for him? I don’t know.”

The Chelsea boss’s comments suggest the club are actively considering reinforcements in the forward department as part of their summer rebuild.