Maresca Reveals: Chelsea's Transfer Priority "Will Definitely Happen"

Enzo Maresca has revealed Chelsea are actively seeking to acquire a new winger following the conclusion of Jadon Sancho's temporary spell from Manchester United.

Despite previously agreeing to a mandatory purchase clause for Sancho this summer valued at £25 million ($33.9 million), the Blues ultimately paid £5 million ($6.8 million) to withdraw from the arrangement after negotiations regarding the player's personal terms reached an impasse.

Chelsea quickly moved to identify Sancho's replacement. They engaged in discussions with Borussia Dortmund regarding Jamie Gittens during the transfer window before the Club World Cup, but temporarily suspended talks when it became evident an agreement wouldn't be reached before the tournament commenced. Now officially registered with Dortmund's squad for the competition, Gittens is ineligible to represent another club this summer.

With the urgency to finalize negotiations now diminished, Chelsea are anticipated to resume discussions for Gittens, with Maresca clearly expressing his intention to bring in a new wide player.

"Jadon is no longer with us so certainly that position [winger] is one where we need to make an addition," Maresca explained to journalists ahead of Chelsea's Club World Cup opening match against LAFC on Monday.

"We currently have Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto] and Ty [George] as our only specialized wingers, so something will definitely happen. During an open transfer window, we will certainly make some moves."

While Chelsea's offers for Gittens indicate the 20-year-old is their primary target, the London club is known to appreciate several other options. The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea continue to be interested in Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, with Athletic Club's Nico Williams also under consideration.

Williams, however, is reportedly keen on joining Barcelona, making a transfer to Stamford Bridge seem highly unlikely at present.