Osimhen deal, Williams signs – Maresca can build dream Chelsea squad with summer transfer plan

Enzo Maresca could build one of the strongest squads in the Premier League if Chelsea can welcome a few more new faces to Stamford Bridge this summer. The Blues have already wrapped up some exciting deals, yet they’ve shown no sign of slowing down.

Chelsea began by confirming the arrivals of Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo, who each penned long-term contracts well in advance of the transfer window. Andrey Santos, Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez could also finally join the west London outfit after impressing at Strasbourg, Palmeiras and Independiente Del Valle, respectively.

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not either of the youngsters will be sent out on loan, but should they stay, they’ll certainly strengthen the Chelsea squad. Meanwhile, Liam Delap will hope to hit the ground running following his £30m transfer from Ipswich Town.

Maresca will hope to add a few more players to his roster this summer. By qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, Stamford Bridge has suddenly become a much more attractive destination for the world’s best players.

The Blues have the most valuable bargaining chip in football, and it’s time for them to put it to good use. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what the Chelsea squad could look like on the first day of the Premier League season.

Goalkeepers

In an ideal world, Chelsea reopen talks to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan. football.london understands that the Blues were willing to submit a £13m bid for the 29-year-old goalkeeper, whose contract at the San Siro expires next year, but the Rossoneri demanded in excess of £20m.

So, talks collapsed, leaving the Blues with Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Mike Penders as options between the sticks at the FIFA Club World Cup. Once Maresca’s side returns to west London, Chelsea should make another attempt to sign Maignan.

From January, clubs outside of Italy will be eligible to open pre-contract talks with the France international over a free transfer in the summer – unless he signs a new deal beforehand. If Maignan doesn’t pen an extension, the Serie A outfit will be forced to make a tough decision.

Milan will have to consider whether they’d rather risk losing the shot-stopper for free if talks prolong or cut their losses and cash in during either of the upcoming transfer windows. With time running out, Chelsea can chip away at a deal.

Meanwhile, Mike Penders should be sent out on loan, and Robert Sanchez should be sold. The Blues could also do with a new third-choice goalkeeper to replace Marcus Bettinelli; Jason Steele would be a good option.

Defenders

Chelsea recorded one of the better defensive records in the Premier League last season, so Maresca has a strong foundation to build from. Ideally, the west Londoners bring in a world-class right-sided centre-half to partner Levi Colwill, but there’s no obvious option on the market at the moment.

If the Blues can offload Axel Disasi and one of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, that could help fund a bid for Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter Milan defender is a top centre-half who would take the Chelsea backline to the next level, but he or Colwill would have to play on their ‘wrong side’.

Midfielders

Maresca is spoilt for options in the middle of the park, with Santos and Essugo coming in. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall faces an uncertain future at Chelsea – unless he remains satisfied with playing a bit-part role.

Forwards

Chelsea could significantly strengthen their frontline by signing Victor Osimhen and Nico Williams. The former would provide great competition for Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap, while the latter would provide an outlet on the left.

So…

Maresca could name a very strong 25-man squad on the first day of the new Premier League season, and it could look something like this:

Goalkeepers:Mike Maignan, Filip Jorgensen and Jason Steele (from Brighton).

Defenders:Marc Cucurella, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, Alessandro Bastoni (from Inter Milan), Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Malo Gusto and Reece James.

Midfielders:Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo.

Forwards:Nico Williams (from Athletic Club), Tyrique George, Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Victor Osimhen (from Napoli), Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian.

On-call:Ishe Samuels-Smith,Mamadou Sarr and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.