Chelsea’s squad is going to undergo a major overhaul.
Image credit: Chelsea FC
As Chelsea enters another pivotal summer, the club’s transfer strategy reflects both immediate needs and a longer-term vision.
Despite heavy investment and a vast squad, inconsistency in front of goal and depth issues have left Enzo Maresca’s side in a precarious position heading into the final stretch of the Premier League season.
Here’s an in-depth look at how Chelsea plan to reshape the squad in the coming months.
1. The Striker Situation: Jackson Incomplete, New No. 9 Essential
Nicolas Jackson’s debut season has been mixed.
The £31 million signing from Villarreal showed early promise but has managed just 10 goals in 30 league appearances and now sees his season curtailed due to suspension.
Chelsea’s internal review suggests that a prolific finisher could have propelled them into the Champions League places by now.
With that in mind, signing a top striker is Chelsea’s top priority. Among those being evaluated:
Victor Osimhen (Napoli) – High wages remain a sticking point, despite his proven pedigree.
Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig) – Young, dynamic, and on several top clubs’ radars.
Victor Gyokeres (Sporting CP) – A strong candidate, albeit at a premium price.
Liam Delap (Ipswich) – Available via a £30m relegation release clause, offering a financially manageable option.
Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt) – A less proven but still intriguing possibility.
Chelsea faces competition from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and PSG—all in the market for a forward this summer.
2. Wide Attackers: Reinforcements on the Flank
After the striker, a right-footed left winger is high on the wishlist.
January interest in Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) and Jamie Gittens (Dortmund) signaled Chelsea’s intent, though no formal moves were made.
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) is another name under watch, but his new contract and Villa’s PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) flexibility will determine his availability.
Uncertainty surrounds Jadon Sancho, whose permanent move could hinge on an upcoming clause negotiation, and Mykhailo Mudryk, who is provisionally suspended after a positive test for a banned substance.
3. Defensive Targets: Center-Back Depth & Physicality
Chelsea are also assessing options at centre-back to partner or rotate with Wesley Fofana, whose injury record remains a concern.
Two names stand out:
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth) – A £50m release clause is drawing early interest despite his recent move from Juventus.
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) – A former Blue entering the last year of his deal, though fitness and physical profile will be assessed.
The club may not make a defensive signing unless an ideal opportunity arises, having already added Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg.
4. Leadership Void and Experience Drive
There’s recognition within Chelsea’s hierarchy that the squad lacks vocal leaders.
Aside from Levi Colwill (22) and Enzo Fernandez (24), leadership qualities are sparse.
Captain Reece James and Moises Caicedo are seen as less vocal leaders, while younger players dominate the dressing room.
Coach Enzo Maresca has hinted at bringing in seasoned players to close the gap with Premier League champions, Liverpool.
5. Youth Investment: A Multi-Club Model in Motion
Chelsea continue to bet big on emerging talent. Their latest acquisitions include:
Estevao Willian (Palmeiras) – £29m winger, arriving post-Club World Cup.
Kendry Paez – £17m midfielder, possibly heading on loan.
Mike Penders – £17m goalkeeper.
Dario Essugo – £18.5m defensive midfielder.
With players like Andrey Santos likely returning from loan, and others feeding in from affiliate club Strasbourg, Chelsea’s youth-centric model is gaining shape.
Deals have also been struck for Geovany Quenda and Dastan Satpaev, set to arrive in 2026.
6. Goalkeeper Debate: Stick or Twist?
Despite calls from fans for a new No.1, Chelsea remain committed to Robert Sanchez, despite his error-prone performances (five goal-conceding mistakes—the joint-most in the league).
However, with Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, and Djordje Petrovic (currently on loan) waiting in the wings, the club believes internal options may suffice if Sanchez fails to improve.
7. Outgoings: Streamlining the Squad
Chelsea are likely to sanction several exits to prevent overcrowding and maintain dressing room harmony.
Key potential departures include:
Trevoh Chalobah – Told he can leave if he doesn’t accept a backup role.
Christopher Nkunku – Struggled with injuries; attracting interest abroad.
Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja, Axel Disasi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Joao Felix, Renato Veiga – All loanees who may be sold.
Raheem Sterling – Available for transfer, though his £300k-a-week wage complicates a permanent move.
While Caicedo and Palmer are deemed untouchable, Chelsea may entertain offers for others—at a premium price.
8. Financial Strategy & Contract Planning
Despite widespread spending, Chelsea appear unfazed by PSR rules, with significant revenue incoming from the Club World Cup (£40m–£97m).
Their unique long-term contract strategy—nearly 200 years of contracts collectively—limits the urgency to renew deals.
Yet Cole Palmer was recently rewarded with a market-value pay bump through a contract extension to 2033.
Maresca insists the squad isn’t oversized, but with two to three players per position and numerous youth loanees returning, further sales are essential.
Conclusion: A Summer of Fine Margins
Chelsea’s summer window will be defined by balancing elite additions, strategic sales, and grooming youth for the future.
