Chelsea have reportedly already decided whether they intend to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis.
The Blues pulled off the surprise loan addition of the out-of-favour England international during the summer transfer window, United jumping at the chance to negotiate a deal.
That was a consequence of Sancho having again fallen out of favour with then-head coach Erik ten Hag and United needing to bolster their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules in any way possible.
Furthermore, an option to sign Sancho for a fee in the region of £22m was also agreed by the two teams, a full-time switch seemingly a foregone conclusion.
However, in recent days, there has been the suggestion that Chelsea could pay a penalty fee rather than hand a long-term contract to the 24-year-old.
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What is Chelsea's stance?
Sancho's form has tailed off as the season has progressed, contributing just one assist since the start of 2025, and subsequently increasing doubts as to whether he will remain at Stamford Bridge.
Nevertheless, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have every intention of pushing through with the option of signing Sancho if they can agree a long-term contract.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Romano said: "It's true that Chelsea can pay a fee to Manchester United and not proceed with the obligation to buy for Jadon Sancho.
"It's the reality, but it's not the intention. From day one Chelsea signed Sancho from Man Utd on loan with an obligation to buy because they want to keep Sancho and Sancho wants to be at Chelsea.
"So that's the idea and that's the view and obviously Man Utd don't want Sancho back. That's the clear indication on Jadon Sancho."
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Will Maresca support stance?
Having made 19 starts and nine substitute appearances, it is clear that Sancho currently has a part to play in this Chelsea squad, despite his recent form.
That said, he has perhaps been used more regularly than anticipated due to the injury sustained by Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto being used down the centre and Mykhaylo Mudryk serving a provisional drugs ban.
When you consider that Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez will also arrive in the summer, it is questionable whether Sancho has a place in this squad.
Maresca may be of the opinion that he will support whatever the club decides; realistically-speaking, it is not out of the question that Chelsea sign Sancho on a permanent basis and eventually allow him to go out on loan.
Darren Plant
