New boss Maurizio Sarri is viewed as being a long-term option at Chelsea.

Corriere dello Sport says the chain-smoking Italian manager put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Blues, and they're hoping that will be the start of a beautiful relationship.

In fact, Chelsea want Sarri to be their Sir Alex Ferguson.

During their early meetings, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia reportedly told the former Napoli boss they want him to have a long tenure like the legendary Scot.

Ferguson managed Manchester United for 26 years from 1986 to 2013, winning the Champions League twice, 13 league titles and five FA Cups.

Sarri is the 12th manager Chelsea have appointed since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.