Chelsea will NOT make signings for the sake of it, insists Enzo Maresca, but he admits the Blues will spend big for a striker who can upgrade them – as Victor Osimhen remains a possibility

Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea will not make signings for the sake of it, but if they have the chance to bring in a striker who can upgrade them before the window closes, they will spend another bundle to do so.

Marc Guiu started up front in the 2-0 Conference League win over Servette on Thursday. There could be no faulting the 18-year-old’s endeavour, but the summer signing from Barcelona missed one glorious chance to score when the goal was gaping at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are now targeting the addition of a centre forward as we count down to the August 30 deadline, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen still a possibility. 

Asked about signings, Maresca said: ‘We do not need to sign players just to sign players. If we sign players and they help us to improve, then for sure we need players. Otherwise, we are happy with the way we are.

‘I love Marc. The way he works, he is doing exactly the same thing every day; running behind everyone. He deserves his chances. In the end he is not scoring.

‘But we will see. If we have the chance to bring in a nine that can help us and make the difference, then we are going to try. Otherwise, we are okay.’

Joao Felix – Chelsea’s 36th signing of their Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital era at £44.5million – could feature against Wolves in Sunday’s Premier League visit. 

Felix’s first debut for the club as a loanee in January 2023 lasted only 58 minutes as he was red carded in a 2-1 loss to Fulham.

Pedro Neto could also appear for Chelsea at Wolves, his former club who made £54m on him.

Maresca gave those two acquisitions his blessing, and he has been strict with those who do not meet his standards, with Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell now banished from first-team training.

‘I just communicate the players I like and the players I don’t like and because there is one week left of the transfer window, hopefully we can find solutions for all of them,’ Maresca said.

‘When you find solutions, everyone is happy. When you don’t find a solution, then you can create some problems. 

‘At the moment, with the squad we have, I am working with 21, 22, 23 players – not with the 42 players, otherwise it is impossible. 

‘It is impossible for any manager in the world to make a session with 45 players. It’s impossible. You cannot do that.’