All of the sudden, Enzo Maresca has a plethora of quality attacking options at his disposal. Chelsea have been very busy – in typical fashion – in the early stages of the summer transfer window.
We have just entered July and the Blues have already brought in the likes of Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr. More will follow very shortly with deals agreed for both Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro from Borussia Dortmund and Brighton, respectively.
Estevao Willian, we must not forget, will join the west Londoners once his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup is over. The 18-year-old is set to feature for Palmeiras on Friday evening as the Brazilians go head-to-head with Chelsea for a place in the semi-final of the competition.
Noni Madueke continues to be linked with a move away, while Christopher Nkunku is expected to leave the club at some point. There are returning players such as Joao Felix, Armando Broja and Raheem Sterling who are also set to depart Stamford Bridge.
Either way, what Maresca now has to choose from is very handy indeed. In the front four attacking positions, the Italian coach has at least two quality options available for selection.
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On the left wing, Chelsea have Tyrique George, Gittens and Joao Pedro. The latter of the three is not a natural left-sided winger, but his versatility was one of the main reasons the Blues decided to bring him to the club. Pedro Neto and Madueke can also play on the left, though Maresca prefers them on the other flank.
Estevao can also be used on the right, but the Brazilian has also impressed in the No.10 role. You would think, though, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro will be the Blues’ attacking midfielders for the most part, with the expectation that Nkunku will depart.
In the No.9 position, Chelsea have Nicolas Jackson, as well as new signings Delap and Pedro. Marc Guiu is also an option, but football.london understands the Blues would like to loan the Spaniard out for the 2025/26 season as he looks to continue his development. Chelsea’s attacking options add up to a whopping £282million worth of transfer fees – and that is without Nkunku, who is likely to be sold.
A lot of attacking talent to choose from and it is very unlikely Chelsea are done in the market either. The Blues have not ruled out making a move for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, football.london understands, despite recently signing Pedro.
The Hammers are looking to raise funds this summer and are open to selling Kudus, who is understood to be desiring a new challenge. Chelsea have offered West Ham some players to try and get the price down, but the Irons are not interested in a swap deal.
