Chelsea finish for the international break with plenty to build on under Enzo Maresca, and they could now go big for a forward in January to bolster their striking ranks.
Chelsea rejoice after last-gasp winner vs Liverpool
Last week proved to be a significant one in West London, and plenty of pressure was on the shoulders of Maresca after winning once in five matches leading into the Blues’ double-header against Benfica and Liverpool.
On the face of it, the Italian can count himself slightly unfortunate to be under the spotlight after bringing two trophies to the club during his tenure so far. Nevertheless, the high demands at Stamford Bridge rest for nobody as Chelsea look to place themselves among the Premier League elite.
A tetchy 1-0 victory over Benfica came at the right time for Maresca, and he followed that up with an excellent 2-1 triumph over Liverpool to move his side into seventh, leading the former Manchester City assistant to a dismissal after enjoying wild celebrations with their support.
Stepping in after the match, his assistant Willy Caballero urged the Blues to take advantage of the international break to come back stronger once they are back in the capital.
He stated: “He’s OK (Maresca after red card). He’s so happy now. Of course, he cannot be here now but we are so happy that we achieved the three points in the last seconds. We are so happy and so proud. The players did a fantastic job. Now is a good break for many of them, and hopefully we can recover a few more players and start the new cycle of games with energy.”
After a brief wobble, things are looking up for Chelsea, and they could now be set to target a January move for one of the most prolific forwards in the top-flight.
Chelsea preparing bid for Antoine Semenyo
According to reports in Spain, Chelsea are preparing a bid worth around £78 million for Antoine Semenyo after his blistering start to the Premier League campaign at Bournemouth.
Moving to Stamford Bridge appeals to the Ghana international after publicly admitting he separates his Arsenal fandom from his job, and the Cherries may find it tough to resist the financial capital on offer despite his return of six goals and three assists in his opening seven top-flight appearances.
Labelled a “special player” by Owen Hargreaves, Semenyo has created an impressive ten chances in the Premier League, per Fotmob, thriving on either flank or whether coming inside to provide a focal point for his teammates.
October 2022
€3m
October 2023
€9m
October 2024
€20m
October 2025
€40m
Chelsea are in the market for another attacker to mix experience with their youtful frontline. However, they are unlikely to be the only club interested in offering the 25-year-old a new challenge.
With the Blues pushing for the Champions League slots, Semenyo could well be the difference if he were to pitch up in West London.
