Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca issues blunt transfer statement after Crystal Palace draw

Enzo Maresca offered a curt reply when asked about the prospect of signing a new defender following his side's goalless draw against Crystal Palace. The Italian refused to speak about the issue despite picking up another defensive injury in the build up to the Blues' first Premier League match of the season.

Tosin Adarabioyo was the latest figure to make it onto Chelsea's injury list after he was expected to be the man to replace Levi Colwill in Maresca's starting XI. Colwill is expected to miss most of the season after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury picked up in training after the squad returned for pre-season.

Against the Eagles, Chelsea's head coach opted to utilise 19-year-old defender Josh Acheampong in the heart of defence alongside Trevoh Chalobah. The academy star put in a strong performance on the way to a clean sheet but following Tosin's injury, the question over Maresca's defensive options remains.

Speaking on Friday, the ex-Manchester CIty coach revealed that he wanted a new central defender but that the club would look to internal options. Maresca said: "I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution but as I said, the club know exactly what I think."

But when the subject was broached at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Maresca had no interest in adding more fuel to the topic. "You like to talk about central defenders?" he asked the reporter. "I already spoke. Thank you very much."

READ MORE: Chelsea issue title message they didn't want to send in controversial draw - 5 talking points

READ MORE: Premier League fans fume at huge controversy in Chelsea vs Crystal Palace - 'Football is finished'

The Blues took just a point from their opening game as they failed to score in a Premier League home game for the first time in 2025. Maresca had some praise for Crystal Palace and is not panicking just yet about his side's performance.

"Tough game, we expected a tough game," said Maresca. "Apart from the first half free-kick, we didn't concede any chances but they are a very good team.

"We could have counter attacked better, we could have defended better but it is only the first game of the season."

The Chelsea boss is unsure when Tosin will be available to him once again. "He had a physical problem, we don't know for how long," he said.

"Wes [Fofana] was on the bench, but he was just on the bench to be with us. The plan was not to get any minutes. And now, hopefully for the next one, we can start to use Wes for more minutes."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.