Chelsea news: Maresca urged to complete AMBITIOUS transfer for Man City superstar

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has urged his former club to re-sign Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer this summer.

The Belgium international made just nine appearances during a two-year spell at Chelsea, but Cole has urged the Blues to pursue a Bosman deal during the 2025 summer transfer window.

De Bruyne has confirmed that he will leave Man City when his current contract expires in July and he is widely expected to secure a lucrative deal in the MLS amid significant interest from a number of top clubs in the United States of America.

However, De Bruyne has hinted that he could look to extend his stay in the Premier League if he receives an attractive offer and Chelsea have now been told to pursue a deal this summer.

Enzo Maresca fires BRUTAL warning to Cole Palmer

Chelsea told to re-sign Kevin de Bruyne

Chelsea have almost exclusively signed players under the age of 25 since Clearlake Capital took over as majority owners, but Cole believes that De Bruyne could add much-needed experience to Enzo Maresca’s squad.

“Do you know who he’s [De Bruyne] perfect for, do you know what…Chelsea,” Cole told The Dressing Room Podcast. “I know he’s been there before.

“If you let someone go, you’re saying, ‘you’re not for us for the next two years and what we want to do’. Well, you’re on a free, you can go anywhere you want.

“And I’m saying, and this isn’t me trying to cause trouble, if I’m Chelsea and I’m sitting around with them [the board], I’m going: ‘We need experienced players.’ Kevin De Bruyne, he’s been injured a bit, but what he gives the changing room as a winner, as a leader, we might only need him for 30 games a season, we can manage him.

“Imagine him walking through the door with those young players and those difficult moments. I would say: ‘Whatever you want, we’ll write it off. Come and play for us for two years.’

“There must be something in him as well that thinks, and he’s had a great career, because the Chelsea thing didn’t work for him. It’s something that’s come to mind that he could go anywhere.”