Chelsea’s been busy lately. New manager, high expectations, fans wanting trophies. To get there, they need smart additions rather than just big names. The 2025 window showed where the gaps are and that they need to be filled pronto.
With that in mind, here are some players who make sense for Chelsea, based on recent reports.
Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), young attacking talent
Kenan Yildiz is a winger/attacking midfielder at Juventus who can play from the wings or more centrally. He’s young, fast, and seems to have caught Chelsea’s eye.
Chelsea reportedly made an approach for Yildiz in the summer of 2025. Juventus were open to talks but only for a high price — around €100 million, though some reports said they might listen to offers closer to €70 million.
Yildiz had a strong 2024–25 season with seven goals and five assists in 35 Serie A matches, which explains why several top clubs, including Chelsea, watch him closely. And Chelsea needs more attacking options who can create chances, especially when the main forwards are injured or off form. A player like Yildiz brings energy and flexibility. The price is steep, and competition is high, so whether Chelsea can land him depends on how much they’re willing to invest.
Santiago Castro (Bologna), rising striker
Santiago Castro is an Argentine forward at Bologna who joined from Vélez Sarsfield in early 2024. He’s 21 and already drawing interest from several top clubs. So far in the 2025-26 season, he has made five Serie A appearances, scoring one goal and assisting once. And Bologna wants around €50 million for Castro if Chelsea or anyone wants to buy.
Fans who like to track different sports categories can see why Castro’s name is popping up everywhere — he’s quick, confident, and still improving.
And Chelsea might buy Castro because they need more reliable options up front. If their current strikers are injured or targeted by other clubs, Castro offers youth, potential, and value. He’s less experienced than some, which means more risk, but it’s still lower than with some more established names.
Marc Casadó (Barcelona) as a midfield option
Marc Casadó is a 21-year-old midfielder from Barcelona’s La Masia. He’s shown promise under coach Hansi Flick, especially when more senior players were unavailable.
He made ~36 appearances across competitions in 2024-25 and showed impressive performance during the season. Chelsea is reportedly preparing a bid of ~€35 million for him. Barcelona are cautious: Casadó has a release clause of ~€100 million and is under contract until 2028.
Chelsea needs midfield depth, especially in matches with tight schedules or injuries. Casadó could help both defensively and in build-up play. He’s less likely to be a superstar immediately, but he could be a smart squad piece who grows over time.
Fermin López, another La Masia talent
Though less certain than others, Barcelona’s Fermin López has been mentioned in transfer chatter. He has had a breakthrough season, and some teams, including Chelsea, seem to be monitoring his situation. Barcelona reportedly values him at €60 million or more, making any move tricky.
If Chelsea wants more creativity or attacking midfield options, López could be one. But the price, competition, and Barcelona’s reluctance to sell make this a long shot.
Realistic chances & priorities
Given what we know about Chelsea’s finances, needs, and competition from other clubs, here are some takeaways:
- Most realistic: Santiago Castro seems the likeliest target. Bologna are aware of interest, and the price is high but not ridiculous for Chelsea if they decide to push.
- Medium chance: Marc Casadó also looks possible. Though the release clause is large, Barcelona might negotiate if Chelsea makes a serious offer.
- High risk / expensive: Kenan Yildiz and Fermin López. Both are highly valued by their clubs, so moves would require major fees.
Chelsea’s priorities probably are to make sure there’s enough goal-scoring depth, protect against injuries in midfield, and add young players who can grow rather than just big names.
Final word
If Chelsea gets this right, by summer 2026, they could fill several weak spots without overpaying. Expect at least one or two young attackers (like Castro or Yildiz) to be in the mix, plus possibly Casadó in midfield. Big hurdles will be transfer fees and convincing the players they’d get enough playing time. For Chelsea fans, this could be the window that sets the tone for title challenges to come.
