Chelsea players 'free to leave' says Enzo Maresca amid Noni Madueke Arsenal agreement

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has told any discontented players at the club that they are free to leave. Stamford Bridge is abuzz with activity this summer as recent signings Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr have been joined by Jamie Gittens, with Estevao Willian set to arrive before the season kicks off.

Players such as Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, and Ben Chilwell, who are absent from the squad at the Club World Cup, could be on their way out. Noni Madueke is also claimed to have agreed personal terms with Arsenal while Christopher Nkunku, and Nicolas Jackson, who have been Stateside, are others who could depart. Maresca said "My message to the players and to the club is that I want just players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go."

Following UEFA's punishment for financial regulation breaches, Chelsea now face the imperative task of selling players to ensure financial balance.

The club has been hit with a basic £26.7million fine by UEFA, which could escalate to £77.9million unless certain conditions are met, and will only be able to register new signings for the Champions League if they maintain a "positive balance" at the end of the transfer window.

Maresca, speaking after Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-final in Philadelphia, chose not to comment on the financial situation, saying: "I already struggle to do my job. To be honest, there are things that I don't pay attention to.

"I just pay attention to how to work day by day with the players. How can I improve them? How can I improve the team? And try to win as much as we can."

Maresca was more forthcoming when discussing Pedro's debut after his £60million transfer from Brighton, who came on as a second-half substitute.

The decision to bring Pedro on followed a brilliant equaliser from Estevao, who dazzled in what was his final appearance for Palmeiras before his move to London. Pedro was instrumental in Chelsea's comeback, which culminated in a victory sealed by a late own goal.

Maresca commented: "Even if he was on holiday he looks sharp, he looks good. We gave him some minutes. The reason why he's here is because we like him and we are sure that he's going to help us."

The match also had English winger Gittens in attendance, following his £52million switch from Borussia Dortmund, which was made official on Saturday.

Maresca added: "Jamie was here, he was on the pitch. He will be with us probably one or two days more. Then he will go for a holiday and come back when we're going to start the new season."