Chelsea star can save Enzo Maresca £42m this summer after Liverpool win

's win over on Sunday boosted their hopes and may also have saved them from paying a sizeable transfer fee this summer. Enzo Maresca's side opened up a three-point gap on sixth-placed , one of their most impressive displays of the season.

The victory was capped by Cole Palmer's first goal for Chelsea in 12 games. However, another significant factor was the display of midfielder , who excelled alongside Moises Caicedo. In arguably his best display since his £53million move from Southampton in 2023, Lavia produced a flawless passing display and was also influential off the ball.

It was just his 16th club appearance after an injury-plagued 18 months in west London. Lavia played just once in his debut season after ankle and thigh problems, while a hamstring issue ruled him out for a month at the start of this campaign.

The 21-year-old's presence alongside Caicedo also enables Enzo Fernandez to play in a more advanced role. The 2022 winner signing has struggled to justify his fee since his £106.8m move from Benfica.

He made his mark with a crisp finish just three minutes in and also impressed for the remainder of the afternoon. The displays of both players could now inadvertently save Maresca from paying out for a new player this summer.

The club has been linked with a £42m bid for star Douglas Luiz. However, seeing how his midfield trio of Fernandez, Lavia, and Caicedo clicked against the champions could now change his thinking.

The Brazilian's wage demands are also likely to be high, given he's currently on £74,000-a-week in Serie A. If Lavia can stay fit, it now looks like money Chelsea don't need to spend.

Speaking after his standout display, Lavia said: "My goal for the whole season was to be with the team and help them as much as I can. I'm pleased I've been able to do it against Liverpool. I feel good. I take it game by game and I'm enjoying every moment."

And now Maresca should give him more moments to enjoy. Chelsea will be better off for it.