Who the Blues are looking to sign this summer
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Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly loves splashing his cash on players, and he doesn’t mind appointing a manager or two either.
Enzo Maresca has become Chelsea’s fourth manager of the BlueCo era following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, and the Italian’s five-year contract suggests the Blues are ready to dig in for the long haul with the former Leicester boss, who guided the Foxes to the Championship title last season.
Chelsea have emerged as transfer window protagonists since Boehly’s arrival in 2022, and that tag isn’t expected to disappear this summer with Maresca’s new regime set to come under heavy scrutiny.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Blues’ summer window plans.
Nicolas Jackson undoubtedly showed promise in year one having signed from Villarreal last summer, but Chelsea are set to re-enter the striker market with Jackson potentially shifting out wide.
The Blues are poised to spend big to acquire their long-term #9, and Maresca will hope Christopher Nkunku enjoys an injury-free campaign. The former RB Leipzig star is well-suited to a false nine function.
Chelsea have also bought their fair share of centre-backs since Boehly came to town, but the departure of veteran Thiago Silva leaves a gaping void. A replacement will be signed this summer, and the Blues may well have already got their man.
There could be a reshuffle at full-back with Ben Chilwell continuing to be hindered by knee issues, and while many suspected that a move could be made between the sticks, Maresca is believed to be an admirer of Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea have already made Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo their first signing of the Maresca era. The west Londoners swooped under the noses of several Premier League rivals to bring in the towering defender on a free transfer.
A myriad of options are being considered up top, with Chelsea boasting similar targets to the likes of the striker-needy Arsenal and Manchester United. The Blues are long-standing admirers of Evan Ferguson, but the Irishman’s goal-shy 2023/24 campaign may put off any potential suitors this summer. Chelsea have already distanced themselves from moves for Viktor Gyokeres, Ivan Toney, and Victor Osimhen.
A £29m deal was agreed back in May for 17-year-old Palmeiras sensation Estevao Willian, but the teenager may not be the only wide player Chelsea sign this summer. Athletic Club’s Nico Williams and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise are also on the Blues’ wishlist.
Maresca’s goalkeeper at Leicester, Mads Hermansen, will be considered should Sanchez fail to convince in pre-season.
A big factor in Pochettino’s departure was believed to surround the club’s desire to sell two of their homegrown stars.
Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher have both been linked with moves away this summer. The latter’s contract expires in 2025, and there has been little movement in negotiations.
The arrival of another striker will allow Armando Broja to move on. The Albanian international endured a tough 2023/24 campaign, barely featuring for Fulham during his loan spell. Chelsea value Broja at around £35m.
Ian Maatsen will return to the club following an impressive loan stint at Borussia Dortmund, but the club are hopeful of overseeing his permanent sale. Dortmund could trigger Maatsen’s £35m release clause. Omari Hutchinson played a key role in Ipswich Town’s promotion to the top flight last season, and the Blues are happy for the winger to depart on a permanent basis. He won’t be loaned out again.
The high-earning Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Malang Sarr will also be sold. Antonio Conte’s Napoli are reportedly in for Lukaku, who earns £340,000-a-week in west London.
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