After a rocky season under new head coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea successfully secured Champions League qualification. The team also found themselves preparing for the Europa Conference League final, despite initial questions about Maresca’s appointment and strategy.
However, this summer transfer window will determine how far the club goes next season. Qualifying for Europe’s elite competition and assembling the youngest squad in Premier League history aside, the squad is lacking in key areas. The frontline has no force, the wings need reinforcements, and there are visible concerns in central defence. Hence, Maresca and the Chelsea board are under pressure to add quality for a chance to end their silverware drought.
With financial fair play (FFP) restrictions considered, here’s how the club is preparing for the summer transfer window, including details on target rumours and guaranteed outgoings.
Positions Chelsea Are Looking to Fill
Maresca fielded a young squad throughout the 2024/25 season, exposing a lack of quality in certain positions. These quality issues became too obvious as the campaign wore on, leading fans to question the decisions of the management.
In fact, when comparing statistics between Chelsea and other Premier League teams, it’s clear that having stronger players could have eased their struggles this season.
Beyond technical and tactical factors, psychology also plays an important role in sports. Similar to casino gaming, where gambling addiction and dopamine levels influence decision-making and behaviour, football demands focus, stress management, and motivation. Understanding these psychological factors helps Chelsea’s coaching staff prepare the team physically and mentally.
With this in mind, the key areas requiring attention include the following:
The Forward Line
Every Chelsea supporter knows that their most pressing issues lie in attack. Nicolas Jackson’s early season form was promising, but an injury in February showed the Blues lacked options. Although cover-ups like Pedro Neto playing as a false nine helped in some games, the desperate need for a clinical finisher was clear. Signing a natural no.9 is top of Maresca’s wishlist, especially if Chelsea wants to compete in some of the highest scoring soccer games next season.
The Wings
The future arrivals of Brazilian youngster Willian Estevão this summer and Geovany Quenda (slated for 2026) are great deals. However, Chelsea are still seeking one more wide option. This is because, in the past months, injuries and inconsistency have taught Maresca to have multiple starters. So, the team will be looking to welcome a winger who can stretch defences and support the attack.
The Centre Defence Line
An experienced centre-back is also on the radar and cannot be overlooked. Though Trevoh Chalobah has performed admirably, the Blues still need a leader to control the backline. This is especially important with Axel Disasi on a potential move out and concerns about a long-term replacement.
A new goalie may not be a key area to reinforce with the current number 1, Sanchez, stepping up. However, rumours are linking the True Blues to top goalkeepers in Europe, and a move in that direction won’t be unlikely. Overall, Chelsea’s focus will be on quality rather than quantity. So, the goal is targeted upgrades rather than wholesale changes.
Transfer Targets & Rumours – Names Linked with Moves
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea are preparing for a “busy window”.
However, it’s going to be through a stricter lens than last summer’s 11-player sweep. The club is heavily linked in the market to talents across Europe. Some notable names consistently linked are:
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) or Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) – Both powerful strikers with prolific records are direct competitors or replacements for Nicolas Jackson.
- Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig) – One of Europe’s hottest young forwards. He’s drawing Maresca’s interest for his athletic abilities and finishing.
- Jonathan David (Lille) – A consistent performer in Ligue 1 who fits Chelsea’s new style of play.
- Liam Delap (Ipswich) – He’s familiar to Maresca, although less proven at top-level football.
For defence, Chelsea’s primary alternatives are in the profiles of Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite. The strongest link for the wings is Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund. The 20-year-old former Manchester City target is priced fairly around €50-60m. However, the competition is against Arsenal and Newcastle United for who gets his signature.
Another name also linked recently is Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. While the youngster is not a traditional winger, his ability to create chances on the wings cannot be underestimated.
One thing to bear in mind, though, is welcoming any of these new players; goodbye would be said to some current players.
Outgoing Players & Sales Strategy – Who Might Leave
An important part of Chelsea’s strategy this summer is offloading non-impact players and those who no longer fit Maresca’s vision. Among those expected to leave are:
- Raheem Sterling – Out on loan and not in future plans. His wages make him a priority for offloading.
- Ben Chilwell – Loaned to Crystal Palace and unlikely to return to a starting role.
- Axel Disasi – Loaned to Aston Villa, with Chelsea possibly looking to cash in.
- Joao Felix – A talented player with performance issues. He could return to Atletico Madrid or be sold elsewhere.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga – Out of favour.
- Armando Broja – Unable to make a significant impact.
Jadon Sancho’s future is not certain, either. However, reports are suggesting he is keen to stay permanently after impressing on loan. Meanwhile, Chalobah has won in-house admirers and could be retained unless a sweet deal to take him away arrives.
Conclusion
Chelsea has turned a rocky start into a respectable season. To their name, they’ve secured Champions League football while developing a team of young, energetic players.
Enzo Maresca, despite early criticism, has proven his tactical knowledge. But the summer window is where the club will prove if they’re serious about taking the next step or not. The current expectation is for a new striker to lead the line. Then, one more creative winger to join the fold and a centre-back to reinforce the backline.
The early transfer window, specifically designed for the Club World Cup, will give Chelsea a boost during the competition. Then, winning the tournament could net them up to £100 million, which would eventually balance the financial books. No champagne has been uncorked at Stamford Bridge just yet. But if Chelsea get this window right, they could be parading a trophy or two down the Fulham Road next season.
