Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has refused to engage in speculation regarding potential transfers for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Atlético Madrid forward João Félix.

While acknowledging the club’s desire to strengthen its squad with quality additions, Maresca refrained from mentioning specific targets.

Osimhen, in particular, has been widely reported as a priority for Chelsea as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.

However, Maresca remained tight-lipped during his first pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s season opener against Manchester City on Sunday.

Chelsea during the pre-season friendly match against FC Internazionale at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

“The only thing I can say is that they are not our players, so it’s not correct to talk about a Napoli player or an Atlético Madrid player,” Maresca commented, sidestepping any direct discussion about the linked players.

Victor Osimhen and Antonio Conte. (Photo by Ciro De Luca/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, former Chelsea star John Mikel Obi has openly advocated for the signing of Osimhen, emphasizing the striker’s goal-scoring prowess.

“We want somebody who can finish, score goals, the tap-ins. Someone like Erling Haaland,” Mikel recently stated.

Former Chelsea Player, John Obi Mikel. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“That’s something Victor Osimhen will bring to Chelsea. I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club.”

Osimhen, who has a €130 million release clause in his contract, has reportedly expressed his desire to leave Italy this summer.