In November, he suggested that Jamie Vardy was the best English striker of his generation, better even than Wayne Rooney or Harry Kane. He also claimed that League One side Barrow and then a doomed Southampton were the “worst” possible opponents for his Chelsea side, who went on to score five in both games.

Ian Wright believes Enzo Maresca’s ‘strange’ comments about Chelsea’s Premier League title credentials has inadvertently harmed the club’s season. Chelsea emerged as surprise title challengers earlier in the campaign but Maresca repeatedly said his team were not ready to compete for the Premier League trophy.

However, Chelsea is not alone in the race for Durán, who is valued at 80 million euros. Arsenal is also looking to strengthen its attack and has shown interest in the forward, which could complicate the Blues' aspirations in this market.

After Chelsea's 2-1 win over Brentford, Enzo Maresca's side were looking in a commanding position in the race to finish in the Premier League top four.

Given that the West London side has spent a quarter of a billion on its midfield, it is truly bizarre that they are left with such a weak option in this position.

Chelsea have shipped Renato Veiga out on loan to Juventus for the rest of the season, while Axel Disasi is closing in on a loan move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has endured an error-strewn season for the Blues and despite Enzo Maresca regularly giving him backing, it appears he could be benched sooner rather than later