Robert De Zerbi joins Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna and Enzo Maresca on Chelsea's final shortlist of targets to replace Mauricio Pochettino

In a bizarre few days, Brighton and Chelsea both announced that their managers - Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino - would be leaving. The Italian did a superb job with the Seagulls and has since been linked with the Blues and Manchester United. De Zerbi recently said that he did not have another job lined up but reports have emerged suggesting he is a favourite for the vacant seat at Stamford Bridge.

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have narrowed down their manager hunt to four names. Alongside De Zerbi, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, Leicester City head coach Enzo Maresca and Brentford manager Thomas Frank are the names being considered. Appointing any of the four would cost the club money to break the coach's remaining contracts, including De Zerbi, who is effectively on gardening leave.

The entire situation at Chelsea appears bizarre. Only Arsenal and Manchester City accumulated more points in the Premier League than Pochettino's side in 2024 and they finished the campaign with a flourish, securing sixth in the league and a spot in Europe.

It took a while for the former Tottenham boss to get his team playing the way he wanted but things were starting to finally click on the pitch. Replacing him represents a potential step backwards for a club that aims to challenge for major silverware every season.

Reports suggested that Chelsea wanted to appoint a head coach within days, not weeks. However, it seems the hunt may drag on longer than anticipated as they look for someone who fits their requirements. De Zerbi is young and plays exciting football, but Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has previously admitted the 44-year-old can be difficult to work with.