By: Kwame Bediako
Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca kept his focus squarely on the Premier League showdown with Aston Villa, shutting down speculation about a January move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward has lit up the 2025-26 season with eight goals, trailing only Igor Thiago (11) and Erling Haaland (19) in the Premier League scoring charts.
Despite his £65m release clause drawing interest from Manchester City, Liverpool, and others, Maresca declared, “I’m focused on Aston Villa. Not on players who can arrive and leave. I’m in love with the squad we have.”
Press conference questions also turned to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, whose starring role in their win over Manchester United highlighted his form, 10 goal involvements (seven goals, three assists) in 17 matchdays, topping English players.
Rogers eyes Villa history as potentially the third player after Dean Saunders (1992) and Dion Dublin (1998) to score 2+ goals in three straight Premier League games.
Maresca dismissed any swap talk for Cole Palmer, stating firmly, “No. Because I love Cole and Cole is my player.”
Just one place and five points separate the mid-table rivals, with Chelsea craving a Stamford Bridge win to fuel top-four ambitions amid a tightening chase.
The Blues have stumbled in recent home games against Villa, dropping two of the last three, but crushed them 3-0 in this fixture last December.
Maresca’s side drew 2-2 at Newcastle last weekend, thanks to captain Reece James’ stunning free-kick that sparked a comeback.
James has already matched his Premier League goals from the past three seasons combined (two total), but his endurance steals the spotlight, 26 appearances across all competitions, outpacing most teammates.
The academy product and England international embodies leadership, as Maresca noted: “He is growing in terms of leadership… When he is fit, he is one of the best players we have, no doubt. He’s from our house. He is the captain.” Fitness has transformed him into a cornerstone.
Boosting Chelsea’s chances, Maresca confirmed injured stars Estevao and Liam Delap return to the squad after recent absences.
As the festive fixtures intensify, Maresca’s emphasis on squad harmony and homegrown talent positions the Blues for a potential statement victory over Villa.
