Chelsea can save huge transfer warchest with simple move but risk Enzo Maresca fury

Chelsea bosses can spare themselves another big transfer fee this summer if they are prepared to upset manager Enzo Maresca. The Blues have already signed centre-back Jorrel Hato from Ajax, but have been rocked by a long-term injury to Ruben Colwill.

The England international has had surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is expected to miss most of the season. The 22-year-old side, who made 17 Premier League appearances last season after a loan spell at Brighton, had been expected to feature regularly under Maresca in the 2025/26 campaign. The Italian has since spoken of his desire to sign a replacement before the September 1 deadline.

"The club know exactly what I think," he said in a press conference. "I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution, but as I said, the club know exactly what I think."

That internal solution potentially lies in the form of Trevor Chalobah. The 26-year-old joined Chelsea at the age of eight and progressed through the club's academy.

However, he's yet to cement himself as a first-team regular, having had loan spells at four different clubs. His latest temporary move was to Crystal Palace last season, where he impressed before being recalled to Stamford Bridge in January.

Rather than integrate yet another new face, the club should take the rare step of putting faith in a youth product rather than looking to make a sale for profit. Chabaloah's work rate and athleticism have already been recognised by Thomas Tuchel, who gave him a first international cap against Senegal.

The Blues have already fallen foul of a rash transfer move in that department. Wesley Fofana arrived from Leicester in 2022 for a £70million fee, but has since been plagued by struggles with form and fitness.

Despite Maresca's wishes, club owners should now buck the trend of spending at every opportunity. Colwill will come again, but in the meantime, one of their own is more than capable of filling the void.