Chelsea have identified former player Cesc Fabregas as a potential candidate to become their next head coach, following the sudden dismissal of Enzo Maresca this week.
Maresca's swift exit opens door for surprise return
The search for a new manager at Stamford Bridge is underway after the club parted ways with Italian coach Enzo Maresca on January 3rd, 2026. The decision came less than 48 hours after a 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth, reportedly due to mounting tensions between Maresca and the Chelsea hierarchy.
While Strasbourg's Liam Rosenior has been heavily linked owing to the clubs' shared ownership, a compelling alternative has emerged from Serie A. Cesc Fabregas, the current head coach of Como, is now being seriously considered for a dramatic return to west London.
From Arsenal adversary to Chelsea legend
Fabregas's potential appointment would mark a remarkable full-circle moment. The Spaniard, a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, rose to prominence during a long spell with London rivals Arsenal, making over 300 appearances for the Gunners in the early 2000s.
After a three-year return to Barcelona, he shocked many by joining Chelsea in 2014. Despite initial reservations from fans, his move proved immensely successful. Fabregas won five trophies in four-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge, cementing his status as a club favourite.
He has been candid about his changed perspective. "Yes, I disliked Chelsea very much. I always said it and all the fans they know," Fabregas admitted in a recent interview with CBS Sports. "After I said it was one of the best decisions I took in my career... The fans were outstanding with me. Outstanding. I couldn’t be more grateful."
Fabregas's rapid rise and Premier League ambition
Since taking charge of Como in 2024, the 38-year-old has quickly garnered a reputation as one of Europe's most promising young coaches. His tactical acumen and man-management have impressed observers, making his link to a top job seem less surprising.
Fabregas has long expressed a desire to manage in the Premier League. In a 2022 Sky Sports interview, while still playing, he stated: "When I become a coach... the Premier League has been my league... I'd love to [be a Premier League manager], 100 per cent."
He reiterated this ambition in 2024, telling the Evening Standard: "100 per cent my ambition one day is to coach a top club in the Premier League, the Champions League. But you need to respect the right steps."
Chelsea's sudden vacancy may accelerate that timeline. The club's decision-makers are now weighing up whether Fabregas's deep understanding of the club, combined with his burgeoning coaching credentials, makes him the right fit to replace Maresca and lead a new era at Stamford Bridge.
