When Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will start work at Cobham as first game is confirmed

The countdown to the new season has begun, with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expected to start work officially on the 1st of July 2024. There is already much going on behind the scenes to ensure the Italian manager gets a smooth take-off.

He signed a five-year deal with a club option for a further year, unlike his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino, who was only handed a two-year deal with options for another.

The Italian’s first game as Chelsea boss is set to be a local derby against League Two side Wimbledon. The two clubs have arranged a pre-season friendly for next month at The Dons’ Plough Lane ground in South West London.

Chelsea will also embark on a five-match tour of the United States between July 24 and 26, where they will play Wrexham, Celtic, Club America, Manchester City, and Real Madrid.

On the transfer front, Chelsea have already signed Tosin Adarabioyo as a replacement for Thiago Silva and are keeping an eye out for a new striker, with Aston Villa's Jhon Duran and Crystal Palace's Michael Olise top of the list of players they are considering.

Conor Gallagher has been linked with Aston Villa and Tottenham, and any sale would go down as "pure profit." He has also addressed rumors surrounding his long-term future at the club but insists all he’s doing is focusing on the Euros.

He said: “I'm a Chelsea player right now, and I'm just thinking about England and the tournament. It's not difficult. I'm away with England, and I couldn't be happier with the position I'm in. I've just been focusing on England. This is the most important thing right now for me and the country. I'm hoping I can help the team more on the pitch in this tournament."