Maresca pleads for time after chaotic Chelsea spending spree

London: Chelsea s new coach Enzo Maresca has a Premier League baptism of fire when champions Manchester City visit on Sunday as the Italian scrambles...

London: Chelsea's new coach Enzo Maresca has a Premier League baptism of fire when champions Manchester City visit on Sunday as the Italian scrambles to form a cohesive team from another chaotic transfer window for the Blues.

In keeping with Chelsea's transfer policy since a takeover two years ago, fronted by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly, the London club have embarked on a spending spree focusing on promising young talent.

Winger Pedro Neto's £54 million ($65 million) move from Wolves is the standout from nine new arrivals for an estimated £160 million.

But after splashing well over £1 billion on signings over the past two years, Chelsea's website lists 43 first-team players and over 50 are still contracted to the club when those on loan are included.

Many have been sidelined from Maresca's pre-season training to focus on finding moves before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.