Transfers priority: Chelsea target top-class finisher | OneFootball

Striker Search Kicks Off Chelsea’s Summer Overhaul

Chelsea are preparing for a decisive summer as they seek to back Enzo Maresca with a reshaped squad capable of securing Champions League football next season. Central to that rebuild is the urgent pursuit of a reliable striker – a glaring need underlined by the fact that Chelsea have missed 79 big chances this season, the second-highest figure in the Premier League.

The club’s failure to bring in Victor Osimhen last summer – due to late-stage wage demands – has proven costly. With Nicolas Jackson enduring a mixed debut campaign marred by injuries and a recent red card, Chelsea are adamant that an additional proven goalscorer would have already sealed Champions League qualification.

Ten goals in 30 league games for Jackson has left room for improvement, but the club still views the £31m investment in the Senegalese forward from Villarreal as a smart piece of business. That said, they are aware that quality finishing remains the missing link.

Photo: IMAGO

Shortlist of Strikers Being Explored

Chelsea’s recruitment team has drawn up a shortlist of strikers to lead Maresca’s attack. Victor Gyokeres (Sporting), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Liam Delap (Ipswich), Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt), and Osimhen remain under consideration.

All come with pros and cons. Delap, for instance, is viewed as a value option with a £30m release clause, attracting interest from Manchester United as well. Osimhen and Gyokeres would each demand around £60m in transfer fees, along with significant wage packages.

Chelsea face competition on all fronts. Arsenal, Liverpool, and PSG are also in the market for a striker, and Chelsea are aware that some targets are also being pursued by new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta. Despite external factors, there is confidence at Stamford Bridge that a capable forward will be landed.

Winger and Defender Reinforcements Planned

After addressing the forward line, Chelsea’s next priority is a right-footed left winger. The club remain admirers of Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, but no bids have yet materialised. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is another option being monitored, though his recent contract renewal complicates any approach unless PSR constraints at Villa force a sale.

In defence, Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has emerged as a serious target. The Blues are one of five clubs monitoring the 19-year-old, who recently moved from Juventus and has a £50m release clause. Real Madrid are believed to be his preferred destination. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is also under watch as Chelsea consider physically robust alternatives to complement Wesley Fofana.

Balancing Youth, Experience and Financial Strategy

While youth remains a core theme in Chelsea’s transfer model, the club is not ruling out signing experienced players to guide Maresca’s evolving side. The club has already spent over £150m on youngsters including Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez, Mike Penders and Dario Essugo. All are seen as long-term prospects, with some likely to go on loan.

Midfield will also see competition, with Andrey Santos expected to return from Strasbourg to challenge Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez. In goal, despite pressure from fans, the club still back Robert Sanchez, though they are keeping options like Petrovic, Jorgensen, and Penders under review.

Maresca has hinted that leadership and maturity are missing in the current group. Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez are being groomed for senior roles, while Reece James and Moises Caicedo are seen as more reserved personalities.

Sales, Contracts and Financial Maneuvering

Contractually, Chelsea are well protected with most of their senior players tied down to long-term deals. Negotiations are ongoing with Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer recently had his contract extended to 2033 after outperforming his wage bracket.

Despite this, outgoings are expected. Trevoh Chalobah is likely to be told he’s a backup or can leave. Loanees including Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja, Axel Disasi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Joao Felix, and Renato Veiga are all candidates for permanent exits. Raheem Sterling, currently at Arsenal, could be moved again, though his £300,000-a-week salary poses complications.

Enzo Fernandez is reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid, but Chelsea would only entertain offers exceeding the £107m paid to Benfica. Caicedo and Palmer are seen as untouchable assets.

Behind the scenes, Chelsea continue to stockpile youth prospects for Strasbourg, their sister club, with a view to first-team integration in future seasons. Deals have been agreed for Sporting’s Geovany Quenda and Dastan Satpaev from Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty.

Despite ongoing talks with UEFA and the Premier League regarding historical tax issues and PSR compliance, Chelsea remain bullish in their transfer strategy. With Maresca steering the club into a new era, the next few months promise to be pivotal at Stamford Bridge.