Chelsea news: Enzo Maresca's feelings on future as Blues target's comments resurface

Chelsea are preparing to face Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night before a huge Premier League clash with Arsenal next weekend

Chelsea moved up to second place in the Premier League this weekend ahead of what promises to be a crucial week for Enzo Maresca's side. The Blues host Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening in the Champions League before taking on Arsenal next weekend.

Strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Neto sealed a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday. The Blues will then face league leaders Arsenal next Sunday in the Premier League, with Maresca managing a substantial injury list that includes Cole Palmer.

First, though, comes a high-profile encounter with Hansi Flick's Catalan side. Maresca remained measured when discussing the crucial week ahead for Chelsea.

"It's a big week," he said. "But at the end of this week, then we have Leeds away, Bournemouth away, Atalanta away, so it's another big one. It's always a big week, they are all important games, at the end of every game is three points".

Maresca addresses future

Maresca has provided an update regarding his Chelsea future following questions about his ambition to manage in Spain someday. The former Leicester City manager signed a five-year contract with Chelsea last year, which includes an option for an additional year.

He has already secured the Conference League and the Club World Cup with the Blues and currently has his team chasing Premier League leaders Arsenal closely. Nevertheless, Maresca accumulated considerable experience in Spain both as a player and manager, and he declined to dismiss the possibility of moving to La Liga at some point down the line.

When questioned about his future plans during Monday's press conference ahead of the Barcelona fixture, he said: "I decided to become a manager because of Pep (Guardiola's) Barcelona years ago.

"You know me because you are always in my press conference, even when you ask me what's happening in three-four months, I always say, I don't know.

"In this moment I'm very happy to be at this huge club, again one of the best clubs in the world, and this is the most important thing."

Chelsea target's feelings are clear

Chelsea have been associated with Nottingham Forest defender Murillo for quite some time. The Blues are understood to have had a bid for the player rejected in January after Forest demanded a record transfer fee for the defender.

The 23-year-old arrived in the Premier League in a £15 million transfer from Brazilian outfit Corinthians in August 2023 and has been amongst Forest's most impressive performers ever since. Murillo won't be an easy acquisition for Chelsea, however.

His performance was highlighted once again over the weekend when he scored against Liverpool in Forest's surprising 3-0 victory at Anfield. However, with Chelsea having conceded 12 goals this season, it is believed that Maresca is looking to bolster their defence.

In 2024, Murillo addressed rumours of a potential move to Stamford Bridge on the Benja Me Mucho YouTube channel. The centre-back confessed that he is considering moving on and hopes that Sean Dyche's team will respect his decision, no matter where he ends up next - providing a boost to Chelsea in their reported ongoing pursuit.

"I don't know if it's 70 (million), but I know there was a buzz of interest," he said on his speculated price tag. "So, I don't know exactly how much the amount is, but I know there was interest. I've received a few offers.

"Some official, others sounding out. I'll take it up with my manager. They were clubs from England, Italy and Germany. If I stay in Nottingham, I'll do my best. If I leave, I hope they respect my decision. I'm calm and analysing it in the best way."