Chelsea FC is on the hunt for a new manager following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as the leading candidate. According to Mail Sport, De Zerbi is one of four names on Chelsea's shortlist, which includes Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Leicester City's Enzo Maresca, and Brentford's Thomas Frank.

A club insider revealed that De Zerbi, who parted ways with Brighton at the end of the season, is considered the favorite due to his alignment with Chelsea's vision for a dynamic, forward-thinking coach with Premier League experience. De Zerbi guided Brighton to their first-ever European qualification, employing an attractive, possession-based style of play.

Despite having a contract with Brighton until 2026, De Zerbi mutually agreed to leave the club after differing in vision with owner-chairman Tony Bloom. Chelsea would need to pay around £5 million in compensation to secure his services.

The search for Pochettino's successor has been intense, with Chelsea focusing on candidates who have demonstrated success and adaptability in English football. De Zerbi's tenure at Brighton, along with his previous experience at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he coached Mykhailo Mudryk, makes him a strong contender. His potential move to Chelsea could see him reunite with former Brighton player Levi Colwill and Moises Caicedo

The other candidates on Chelsea's shortlist bring their own credentials. Kieran McKenna has led Ipswich Town to back-to-back promotions, Enzo Maresca achieved promotion with Leicester City, and Thomas Frank has been praised for his work at Brentford. However, De Zerbi's name has generated significant support among Chelsea fans, with a social media poll showing 72.8% backing him as the preferred choice.

Exclusions from Chelsea's consideration include former Barcelona manager Xavi, Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness, Girona's Michel, and Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim. As Chelsea aims to finalize their managerial appointment, the coming days will be crucial.

Chelsea fans have reacted positively to the prospect of De Zerbi taking the helm. The potential appointment is seen as a progressive step for the club, aligning with their goals for the future.