Enzo Maresca makes huge Cole Palmer call as rivals create new Chelsea contract conundrum

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has a major task at hand to get his new group of players fit and firing for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

The Blues made fine progress under Mauricio Pochettino towards the end of the previous season, which ultimately added to the shock of a managerial switch at the start of the month. Now that is done, all that is required is for the players and club hierarchy to get behind their new man in charge and deliver both on and off the field.

Preparations may be hampered by plenty of first-team stars featuring in international tournaments over the summer, though Maresca has been hard at work laying the groundwork for his first go at leading a top-flight side. Plenty of transfer talk suggests major activity to come over the summer months and the boss has also been drawing up a fresh tactical plan to make sure Chelsea enter the new year on the front foot.

So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Blues news and transfer gossip on Friday, June 21.

Enzo Maresca's proposed Cole Palmer switch could backfire

Cole Palmer was Chelsea's standout player in his maiden campaign with the club. At just 22-years-old, he took the youthful side by the scruff of its neck and elevated performances across the pitch, all whilst recording the most goals and assists of any Blues player.

With great displays comes further pressure to produce, and that has been highlighted by The Athletic's claim that the Englishman is the only guaranteed starter next season as Enzo Maresca begins to spread his influence in the dressing room.

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However, the Italian has an interesting new role in mind for Palmer. Instead of featuring off the flank as he did so successfully under Mauricio Pochettino, it is said he will be utilised primarily as in the No.10 midfield role behind a sole striker as part of a new-look system.

That would leave the right wing open for Noni Madueke and potential signing Michael Olise to fight for a starting spot.

football.london says: It makes sense that Olise would be granted his most natural starting spot if recruited, but if the Palace man doesn't arrive then why take the risk? Palmer proved so effective for large spells starting wide and drifting infield seeking the ball as he desired. Bringing him into the middle may make use of his skills connecting play, but in a tightly-packed area of the pitch would only serve to diminish his threat in front of goal - a backwards move, it seems.

Arsenal entry to Conor Gallagher transfer picture is a problem

Spanish publication AS, tracking Atletico Madrid's interest in Conor Gallagher, say that London rivals Arsenal could yet eye an audacious swoop for the Blues midfielder.

The 24-year-old is out of contract in one year's time with little progress made towards a renewal. A £50m price tag has been slapped on him to allow a transfer this summer, though once the current window shuts there comes the risk of losing a homegrown player - who would be able to produce pure profit for the club's financial books - for free.

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all also credited with interest in what is anticipated to be a 'fierce' battle.

football.london says: This situation is one that has been taken too lightly up to now. If Gallagher is such a crucial part of the team, give into his contract demands and keep him around as captain. If not, get his sale organised quickly and reap the rewards of profit made. It seems silly to prolong speculation once his Euro 2024 campaign is done, otherwise it becomes a looming distraction over Chelsea's season and ultimately a rival - like Arsenal, who already possess a solid midfield as is and are fighting at the level the Blues want to be in the league - will benefit, and that is less than ideal.