Enzo Maresca is keen to continue strengthening his Chelsea side during the upcoming summer transfer window. The Blues kicked off the season in fine form, soaring to second place in the Premier League and even being touted as potential title challengers. However, a rough patch over the festive period saw them slip behind Liverpool and Arsenal. Despite injuries to key players and a slow January transfer window, Chelsea managed to cling onto a top-four spot. With Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Brighton hot on their heels in the race for Champions League qualification, there’s still much room for improvement.
Chelsea’s priority should be a significant squad reduction. Currently, too many players are excess to requirement or need loan spells to further their development. Offloading Robert Sanchez is a must; the £25 million investment from Brighton hasn’t paid dividends, as his costly errors have led to dropped points. Djordje Petrovic, set to return from a fruitful loan at Strasbourg, would be an ideal replacement. Other potential departures include Benoit Badiashile, who should be sold, and Aaron Anselmino, who would benefit from a loan. Josh Acheampong should also continue his development under Maresca, with a loan move possibly advantageous.
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In midfield, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should be sold, while Omari Kellyman and Mathis Amougou require loan spells for essential first-team experience. It’s crucial that Chelsea cash in on Christopher Nkunku before his value declines further. The club should also abandon plans for a permanent deal for Jadon Sancho. Although he made an impressive start with assists in his first few games, his recent performances haven’t justified a long-term stay.
Several loanees should also be sold, including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, and Raheem Sterling, who has struggled for game time under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. Meanwhile, Alfie Gilchrist, Caleb Wiley, Lesley Ugochukwu, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Deivid Washington could benefit from further loan spells.
Chelsea need marquee signings to remain competitive. Alexander Isak tops the wishlist, and the Blues should move heaven and earth to secure the 25-year-old striker from Newcastle United. He has been instrumental in the Magpies’ successes this season, scoring 19 goals and notching five assists in the league, as well as helping the team to Carabao Cup glory. His signature would address Chelsea’s attacking deficiencies and bolster their frontline.
In defence, Chelsea require a transformative addition akin to Jurgen Klopp’s acquisition of Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool. While no defender of that calibre is currently available, Dean Huijsen appears a promising alternative. The 19-year-old has impressed at Bournemouth and could make a significant impact on Maresca’s defence.
Beyond these key transfers, Chelsea have four exciting prospects set to join the first team: Andrey Santos returning from Strasbourg, Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle, and Dário Essugo from Sporting CP.
Here is a projected 25-man Chelsea squad for next season, excluding Development Squad and Under-18 players: Djordje Petrovic, Filip Jørgensen, Marcus Bettinelli; Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Dean Huijsen (joining from Bournemouth), Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah; Malo Gusto, Reece James; Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Dário Essugo (signed from Sporting CP); Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian (signed from Palmeiras), Noni Madueke, Kendry Paez (signed from Independiente del Valle); Alexander Isak (joining from Newcastle United), Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu.