Enzo Maresca has plunged his unwanted Chelsea stars further into the cold with a brutal remark. The Italian is keen to oversee a fire-sale at Stamford Bridge to allow for the arrival of more fresh faces, while also cutting down the Blues’ bloated squad.

Enzo Maresca has warned Chelsea about the danger of putting Estevao ‘under pressure’ in his first season at Stamford Bridge. Last year, Chelsea reached an agreement to sign the 18-year-old from Brazilian side Palmeiras, paying €34 million (£28.7m) up front plus a further €23m (£19.4m) in add-ons.

The 18-year-old’s £29million move to Stamford Bridge was first agreed in May 2024 but he remained in Brazil for a year.