Enzo Maresca Delivers Shocking Chelsea Transfer Ultimatum: 'The Club Knows What I Think'
Enzo Maresca has urged Chelsea to acquire a new central defender this summer to cover for the injured Levi Colwill, stating that his existing squad options are inadequate for the position.
Colwill faces an extended absence for most of the 2025–26 season following an ACL injury, and Maresca has openly expressed his need to find a substitute for a player who was integral to his tactical system.
Critics were quick to point out that Maresca theoretically has numerous alternatives available. For his two-defender formation, the Chelsea manager can still utilize Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiashile, Aarón Anselmino and Josh Acheampong. Nevertheless, when confronted with this observation, Maresca bluntly stated that only Tosin possesses the ability to operate in the central role of a system that transitions to a three-man defense during matches.
"The central player in my system is extremely, extremely, extremely vital," Maresca stated.
"We've repeatedly emphasized that our ability to create opportunities and attack effectively depends on proper build-up play. Levi was fundamental to our possession-building phase and now he's unavailable. We're attempting to find an internal remedy, but the club understands my position completely. I believe we require a centre-back. We're exploring internal options, but the club knows exactly my thoughts.
"[Fofana] must stay healthy first, and then he might manage it. He featured 45 minutes in that role during the opening half against Bournemouth away if you recall—likely one of our poorest performances since we began.
'Benoit in the central position, Conference League final, first half, we were trailing 1–0. Then we switched to Levi and secured a 4–1 victory. So the difference is clear."
Chelsea are concentrating on offensive additions, particularly RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, but may need to reconsider their strategy following Maresca's direct assessment.