Chelsea has reportedly submitted an initial offer for a Serie A player who has openly admitted he is willing to consider proposals to leave his club. Enzo Maresca`s team is expected to move quickly in the transfer market following their victory in the Conference League.
Chelsea Stages Comeback to Win First Trophy Under Maresca Against Real Betis
The Premier League giants were considered strong favorites to win this year`s Conference League, but Real Betis presented a significant challenge.
Former Real Madrid star Isco troubled them in the first half, with Moises Caicedo finding it difficult to contain the Spaniard. Betis took a surprising early lead through Abde Ezzalzouli just nine minutes into the match.
Chelsea struggled to generate momentum until halfway through the second period. Then, Maresca`s side suddenly came alive and staged a remarkable comeback against Manuel Pellegrini`s underdogs.
Goals from Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Caicedo, all within a half-hour spell, secured the victory beyond doubt. Chelsea lifted the Conference League trophy, marking Maresca`s first piece of silverware since taking over as manager last year.
“We`ve improved significantly since we started,” Maresca commented on Chelsea`s recent development.
“We also began winning games even when we weren`t playing well. That`s something a young squad often struggles with, but for example, against Nottingham Forest, we won in a somewhat scrappy way. We found the means to win the game, which was very, very important.
And for me, the most telling moment tonight, showing we were on the right path, was when we scored the first two goals and the first players to celebrate were Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile – the two players I had substituted. For a manager, when you substitute players who aren`t performing well and they are the first to celebrate the goal, that means a great deal.”
Cole Palmer, in particular, was crucial in the comeback against Betis, delivering a brilliant attacking performance. BlueCo is reportedly keen on providing the England international with high-quality new teammates this summer.
Chelsea Submits Initial Bid for Lazio Star Mario Gila
According to Simon Phillips and other reliable sources, signing a centre-back is a key priority for Chelsea. The club held discussions with Dean Huijsen before his move to Real Madrid and are still pursuing defensive reinforcements after missing out on the 20-year-old.
According to the newspaper Il Messaggero, Lazio centre-back Mario Gila is now on Chelsea`s list of potential targets as they look for an alternative to Huijsen.
The 24-year-old was a consistent starter in Lazio`s defence throughout the 2024/2025 season. Only midfielder Matteo Guendouzi played more league minutes for them than Gila. However, he may have played his final game for Marco Baroni`s side, having admitted during the campaign that he was prepared to listen to other offers despite feeling like a “special” figure in Rome.
“I am very content. Since the middle of last season, I started playing regularly, and everything is progressing very well. For a player, feeling valued is very important,” Gila stated.
“Right now, I am happy to be here. After that, whatever happens, I am ready to listen to everything. I have ambitions, and if there are options, I will consider and evaluate them. But I am very happy here; the team appreciates me.”
Now, it appears the Blues have responded to his openness to a move.
Il Messaggero reports that Chelsea has made an offer of around £29 million for Gila. However, Lazio values him closer to £44 million, considering his importance to the team and the fact that Real Madrid holds a 50% sell-on clause, meaning they would receive half of any transfer fee for the Spanish defender.
Gila is a dependable centre-back who offers a rare combination of youth and experience at the highest level, which explains Chelsea`s significant interest.
