£12m Chelsea ace linked with exit receives backing as Maresca claims he’s “happy to have” him at the club | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has stated Renato Veiga will play against Morecambe on Saturday and he’s happy to have him at the club amid rumours of a move away.

The Blues were expected to be quiet in January, but defensive injuries to Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana mean a new centre back might arrive, with a number of options open to the club.

The main priority is outgoings with Chelsea keen to find solutions for Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei, whilst Axel Disasi is attracting interest from Juventus.

Maresca happy to have Veiga

Another player who has been linked with a January exit is Veiga, who only joined in the summer from Swiss side FC Basel in a deal worth £12m.

The 21-year-old has become a full Portugal international during his short time at Stamford Bridge, whilst he’s also scored twice in six Conference League games.

However, Veiga has attracted interest in the transfer window and the Blues have turned down an approach from fellow Premier League club Wolves.

Veiga joined Chelsea in the summer for £12m from FC Basel. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Veiga has impressed with some of his performances, although he’s not featured in the Premier League since coming on as a late substitute in the win against Tottenham in December.

The Portuguese has also fallen foul of Maresca and was dropped from the squad completely for the Boxing Day defeat to Fulham for a lack of effort in training.

However, despite links with a move away Maresca has said Veiga will play against Morecambe in the FA Cup on Saturday and he’s happy to have him at the club.

“Renato is our player, tomorrow he’ll play and we’re happy to have with us,” he said as cited on X.com.

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It wouldn’t make sense to sanction a departure for Veiga given he can cover a number of positions with his versatility, including centre back, where the Blues are light at this moment in time.

The fact he’s already attracting interest from a host of clubs just six months after joining means he’s doing well and Chelsea will be hoping he develops into the player they think he can become.