I have no time for you — Chelsea boss Maresca sends brutal message to Sterling, others

Enzo Maresca is keeping his focus firmly on the pitch, admitting he has no interest in the club’s efforts to offload players from their so-called ‘bomb squad.’

The Blues, still buzzing after their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup triumph, are working to trim their bloated 43-man squad, with high-profile names like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell training separately, as all parties work towards an exit.

Speaking after a pre-season session, Maresca revealed he’s not involved in the transfer dealings, saying, “I have this kind of news from the club because I don’t pay attention to the ones that are training and need to leave.

"I just focus on how we prepare the session and how we can win games.”

The manager’s comments came in the context of Lesley Ugochukwu’s £20 million move to Burnley, one of several departures, including Djordje Petrovic to Bournemouth and Joao Felix to Al Nassr.

Sterling has been linked with a move abroad, but the ex-Manchester City man prefers to remain in the Premier League, while there has been no concrete interest in left-back Chilwell.

Maresca is focused firmly on his core group ahead of the Blues' season opener against Crystal Palace on August 17.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Manchester United for winger Alejandro Garnacho, after agreeing personal terms with the player.

Garnacho was left out of United's pre-season squad after being deemed surplus to requirements by manager Ruben Amorim.