Chelsea must hijack 'perfect' Man City transfer to gift Enzo Maresca ultimate welcoming gift

Chelsea must do whatever it takes to sign Ederson from Manchester City this summer. The 30-year-old goalkeeper has recently been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia after winning his sixth Premier League title.

Ederson, who sees his contract at the Etihad Stadium expire in 2026, featured 33 times in the English top flight this season, keeping 13 clean sheets. He played a crucial role in Pep Guardiola's side, boasting the division's second-best defensive record.

The Brazil international has prided himself as one of the world's leading shot-stoppers since joining Manchester City from Benfica in 2017. While Ederson has produced numerous match-winning saves throughout his career, he's been just as impressive with his feet.

Rubbing shoulders with Manuel Neuer, the Brazilian's widely regarded as one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers of all time – and he could be on the move this summer. According to ESPN, Al Ittihad are among a few clubs to have registered an interest in Ederson.

But, in order to leave the Etihad Stadium, the report states that he must hand in a transfer request. ESPN add that Manchester City are not actively looking to replace the Brazilian and they will only consider offers if he makes it clear he wants to leave.

While Chelsea have not been credited with interest in Ederson, unlike several Saudi Pro League clubs, the Blues must seriously consider bringing him to Stamford Bridge this summer. With Enzo Maresca expected to be appointed in the coming days, the Manchester City ace would be the ultimate welcoming gift.

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Speaking in May 2021, Guardiola described Ederson as best goalkeeper in the world. The Spaniard said: "We cannot have a better goalkeeper than Eddie. He suits perfectly our way [of playing]. The impact he has on the team is massive.

"His composure and the way he faces the good moments and bad moments is remarkable. He has incredible work ethic. He has the best goalkeeper trainer in the world in Xabier Mancisidor. He is the best one.

"He and Richard [Wright] have done an incredible job – not just with Eddie, but with Zack [Steffen], Scott [Carson] and the young guys we have. We are lucky."

By signing Ederson, Maresca would be given a major boost to his hopes of launching a successful project at Stamford Bridge. football.london understands that Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart jetted off to Spain on Tuesday to negotiate a deal to bring the Leicester City head coach to west London.

It's believed that the Chelsea sporting directors have been mightily impressed with how Maresca has presented himself thus far. All being well, the Italian will pen a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, football.london understands.

Chelsea are hopeful that Maresca will have his feet under the desk at Cobham by the end of this week, meaning he'll be well prepared for pre-season. All being well, he could make his debut in the dugout for the west Londoners against Wrexham in the United States, July 24.