Revealed: Maresca eyes Hernandez as Cucurella and Chilwell face Chelsea exit

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 21 Jun 2024 12:50 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea's summer transfer plans include bringing in a new left-back and one name that has been linked to the side is Theo Hernandez, who is widely considered one of the best in his position in the world.

The new Blues head-coach Enzo Maresca employs a system where full-backs to become inverted, moving centrally to become more involved in midfield than defence.

Currently, Chelsea have Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella for that position, but a report in HITC states that both players will be allowed to leave as the Blues pursue Hernandez.

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Ian Maatsen, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Borussia Dortmund, is close to a transfer to Premier League outfit Aston Villa, while Lewis Hall's loan move to Newcastle United has already been made permanent.

As a viable option, AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez is a player that Chelsea are targeting, with it thought that he is an ideal fit for Maresca’s system.

Hernandez can play as an inverted left-back, the report states, and has played there for Milan and France.

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Hernandez currently has two years left on his current deal at San Siro, and Milan would like to tie him down to fresh terms.

The suggestion is that Hernandez does want to stay at Milan but the right offer must be forthcoming. It’s believed that Bayern Munich could become an option if Alphonso Davies leaves for Real Madrid.

Theo Hernandez on future

Meanwhile, Tuttosport (via MilanNews) relayed Hernandez’s press conference ahead of France’s first game against Austria in Euro 2024, where he was asked about his contract situation.

“I’m 100% focused on the European Championship. We’ll see later whether or not I’ll stay at Milan,” he said.

For some time now, the Frenchman’s agents been in negotiations with the Rossoneri regarding a renewal, but for the moment an agreement has not yet been reached between the two parties.