Semenyo has had a fine start to the 2025-2026 season for the Cherries, with his eight goals a total only bettered by Igor Thiago (11) and Erling Haaland (19) in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has since been touted for a move away from the south coast of England in January, with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool also reportedly interested in him.

He has a £65 million ($130.0 million) release clause that can be triggered next month, but it has been rumoured that both Manchester United and Chelsea have opted out of a potential transfer.

"I'm focused on Aston Villa. Not on players who can arrive and leave," Maresca said when asked about the links to Semenyo. "I'm in love with the squad we have."

Another player that Maresca was asked about during his pre-match press conference was Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, who starred in its win over the Manchester United last weekend.

"No. Because I love Cole and Cole is my player," Maresca said when questioned whether he would swap Cole Palmer for the in-form Villa midfielder.

Chelsea has lost two of its past three Premier League home games against Villa, but did win 3-0 when the teams met in December last season.

Just one place and five points separate the two teams in the table, with Chelsea knowing a victory would boost its top four hopes with the chasing pack closing in.

Key to a potential victory could be captain Reece James, whose stunning free-kick helped the Blues come from two goals down to 2-2 at Newcastle United last weekend.

The England international is now playing regularly. He has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, a total only six Chelsea players can beat.

"He is growing in terms of leadership, and he is playing more and more minutes," Maresca said.

"This is the reason why we are happy because he can be fit and healthy. We know he can be here as a leader.

"He is one of the main players for different reasons. He's from our house. Academy player. He is the captain.

"When he is fit, he is one of the best players we have, no doubt. For me, he is one of our main players."

Maresca also confirmed that injured duo Estevao and Liam Delap would be in the squad ahead of the clash at Stamford Bridge, having missed the past couple of games.