Chelsea launch 'next Marcelo' transfer plan as Enzo Maresca gets huge Cole Palmer injury update

Enzo Maresca will be hoping to return to winning ways when Chelsea face Leicester City this weekend. The Foxes will welcome the West Londoners to the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon as both sides look to climb the Premier League table.

Just before the international break, Chelsea were held to a draw by Arsenal before Manchester United stormed past Leicester City. While the Blues sit fourth in the English top-flight, only a handful of points separate them from Tottenham Hotspur in 10th.

Nevertheless, Maresca will be hoping his side can pick up from where they left off when he returns to the Midlands after such a promising start to the campaign. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip.

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Palmer and Lavia footage revealed

Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia were both spotted in training at Cobham ahead of the Blues' clash against Leicester City. Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo were also involved despite arriving somewhat late following their return from international duty in South America.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon, Enzo Maresca confirmed Reece James as Chelsea's only injury. He said: "We have just one injured player, that is Reece. He felt something and we don't want to take any risks for the weekend.

"He is the only one that is not available for this weekend. The rest, some of them are better, some of them are still a doubt and we need to wait. Today is the first session we do with all the players [returning] from international. So we will see after today's session."

football.london says: "While the big names are back in action, I fear that Chelsea could be a bit leggy against Leicester City. The Blues will still be expected to win and finish the weekend in third place."

Chelsea eye next wonderkid transfer

According to Spanish outlet AS, Chelsea have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Joao Victor de Souza from Santos. The report states that the Blues want to wrap up a deal for the 18-year-old defender before sending him out on loan to Strasbourg.

It's said that an unnamed Saudi Pro League club have already made Joao Victor an offer. AS add that Santos are currently in talks with the teenager, who's been compared to Marcelo and Filipe Luis, to extend his contract, which expires in May 2025.

football.london says: "I've not watched Joao Victor de Souza but, looking back at Chelsea's move for Estevao Willian earlier this year, I trust that the club have unearthed an exciting talent. The Blues have done really well to pick up some of the world's top young stars recently – but now they must work out how to fit them all into one team!"

Chilwell drops cryptic transfer hint

It appears that plans to sell Ben Chilwell could already be in the works. On Wednesday, the Chelsea defender broke a two-month silence on his Instagram feed, showcasing pictures with some family, friends and also colleagues at Cobham training ground.

In the comment section, a user, who was tagged playing paddle in one of Chilwell's pictures, left an intriguing message under the post. @rampa_keinemusik wrote: "Exit strategy loading…"

Interestingly, the Chelsea defender 'liked' the comment, sparking speculation online that he may be looking for a new club in January. As it stands, it remains to be seen what @rampa_keinemusik exactly meant by 'exit strategy', with their cryptic message open to interpretation.

football.london says: "I think this would be best for both parties. I'm just not sure whether Ben Chilwell will be able to find a top club that would be willing to match his wages. He enjoyed an incredible – albeit brief – peak at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, but he's struggled to impress since."