Chelsea have agreed to appoint Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca as their new manager at Stamford Bridge, per Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian becomes the fourth permanent manager of the Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali era since the club was taken over in 2022.

Supporters were left in shock after the Blues’ hierarchy decided to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the 2023/24 season, following an upturn in form at Stamford Bridge.

One defeat in 15 games ensured that Chelsea finished 6th in the table, having periodically dropped into the bottom half at points in the season.

Nevertheless, Pochettino left the club by mutual consent following the conclusion of the season, with Eghbali and sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley beginning a thorough process to appoint his successor.

Maresca, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi were all in the running, but it was the former who will now take the reins at Stamford Bridge.

Per Romano, Maresca has signed a five-year deal with the west London outfit, with the option of a sixth – which could take him until June 2030 – illustrating the Blues’ long-term thinking with the appointment.

Formerly assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, the ex-Leicester City chief comes into the job having led the Foxes to the Championship title and promotion to the English top flight.