The first of two summer transfer windows is almost upon us. With the Club World Cup taking place over a month this summer, FIFA have confirmed a second transfer window will open between June 1 and June 10 to allow those clubs taking part to sign players.
That does not mean that only Chelsea and Manchester City, who are taking part in the tournament in the United States of America, can make transfers; the entirety of the Premier League can sign players in that new first window.
That means we are just two weeks away from the first flurry of transfer activity for the summer.
It is likely to be a busy summer in west London, with Chelsea looking to bolster their squad for Enzo Maresca. Much will depend on the final two games of the season and whether or not the Blues will be in the Champions League next year.
Finish in the top five – and six points from their last two games against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest will secure that – and they can potentially entice better players to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The pull of Champions League football is huge for many players.
So where do Chelsea need to strengthen?
Many fans and pundits will tell you a new goalkeeper is required, but there are already loads on the books and Maresca is seemingly happy with what he has got.
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Chelsea have released their new home kit for next season, featuring the classic Chelsea blue and a subtle print inspired by London’s iconic landmarks and creative culture.
However, this is a dream lineup, and for us, Chelsea need a new long-term first choice goalkeeper. Mike Penders may be seen as that in the future, but he’s not ready just yet.
Caoimhin Kelleher has been linked in the past, although those rumours were quickly quashed. The 26-year-old has proven himself a more than adequate understudy to Alisson Becker at Liverpool and deserves a shot at being No.1. A fee of £30million should get the deal done.
There are also plenty of centre-backs at the club, although it is clearly an area that the club want to strengthen in, given the links with Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.
According to David Ornstein, Real Madrid have activated the £50million release clause to sign Huijsen, with Los Blancos now in talks over personal terms. Chelsea will have to act fast if they want to hijack the deal as Huijsen appears to be the big centre-back target.
There is unlikely to be any movement in midfield, with Maresca happy with his options there. Romeo Lavia returning from injury will help matters, with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez also living up to their huge price tags now too.
Up front is where things get interesting. Chelsea have needed a striker for some time, with too much burden being placed on Nicolas Jackson’s shoulders.
Victor Osimhen could be the dream signing, although the Blues do have a four-man shortlist, which does not include Osimhen. Jonathan David and Hugo Ekitike are on that list, as is Benjamin Sesko. None of the three have Premier League experience and the stats suggest Osimhen would be the greater goal threat.
Liam Delap is the fourth name on the list and he does have Premier League experience and age on his side. But with only one year in the top flight under his belt, he may seem something of a risk too.
Osimhen is also wanted by Manchester United, according to reports, and could cost in the region of £64million. He is out of favour at Napoli, however, who want to sell having sent him on loan to Galatasaray this season.
Then, in the wide areas, Chelsea may not really need to make a move, but if Jadon Sancho does not sign permanently – and that’s highly likely – there is a potential space for another signing.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo would surely be the dream signing for any team in the Premier League this summer. At £85million he is pricey, but he is worth it and although he has poured cold water over rumours of a rift at the Santiago Bernabeu, transfer rumours are likely to persist over the summer.
Signing a Brazilian forward could also help Estevao Willian settle into first team matters at Stamford Bridge and the wonderkid could arrive in west London and make a first team place his own immediately.
Dream Chelsea lineup: Kelleher; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo, Palmer; Rodrygo, Osimhen, Estevao.
Chelsea can end the 2024/25 Premier League season on a high, but it is never quiet at Stamford Bridge and the summer looks set to be one full of news, with Enzo Maresca looking for transfer to bolster his squad.
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