Chelsea’s immediate focus may be on their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, but back home in England, the transfer rumour mill is in full swing as the club’s summer plans continue to take shape.
It’s already been a busy window for the Blues, with several new arrivals through the door, while interest in some of Europe’s top talents has only intensified. There are also question marks over the futures of several current squad members, meaning it’s shaping up to be an intriguing couple of months ahead of the September 1 deadline.
Friday’s defeat to Flamengo in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage laid bare some of Chelsea’s deficiencies. If Enzo Maresca’s side are to challenge both domestically and in Europe next season, work must be done to ensure the squad is strong enough to compete on multiple fronts.
Here, football.london provides a round-up of the transfer window so far — including incomings, outgoings, and what the manager has had to say about the club’s business.
Seven new arrivals
The first major arrival through the door this summer was former Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. Despite reported interest from across the Premier League, the 22-year-old opted to make the switch to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea triggered his £30million release clause.
Elsewhere, a number of pre-agreed deals have also been finalised to strengthen Chelsea’s squad ahead of the new season. A deal for 18-year-old Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian was agreed last year, and he is reportedly set to join up with the team in July, following the conclusion of the Club World Cup – which his current club are currently competing in.
Dario Essugo joined earlier this month from Portuguese side Sporting CP, while a deal for central defender Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg has also been confirmed. A move for teenage sensation Kendry Paez was agreed back in 2023, but it has officially gone through this summer following his 18th birthday. However, reports suggest he could be sent out on loan, having been omitted from Maresca’s Club World Cup squad.
In March, Chelsea announced they had agreed a deal with Sporting to sign winger Geovany Quenda, although he will officially join the club in 2026. Goalkeeper Mike Penders was signed from Genk last summer and has now officially linked up with Chelsea after spending another year in Belgium. However, it remains unclear whether he will be sent out on loan.
Exits confirmed
Earlier this month, Chelsea confirmed their retained and released list, with four players set to depart at the end of their contracts. Among them is goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom, bringing an end to his six-year spell with the London club.
Wales youth international Eddie Beach will also leave, along with Under-18s goalkeeper Luke Campbell. The final name on the released list is defender Marcell Washington, whose scholarship contract is due to expire.
Uncertain futures
In terms of potential outgoings, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga looks set to finally depart on a permanent basis when his contract expires at the end of this month. Having spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, he has been heavily linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, although his next destination is yet to be confirmed.
Elsewhere, a number of Chelsea’s attackers face uncertain futures, including loanee Jadon Sancho. The winger spent the 2024/25 season on loan from Manchester United, although football.london has previously reported that the club have opted against making his move permanent.
Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have both been linked with moves away, while Noni Madueke is the latest name to be thrown into the mix of potential departures. That said, Maresca’s recent comments contradict suggestions that Chelsea are open to offloading the England international.
The Chelsea boss told reporters this week: “Noni is our player. You can read a lot of speculation at the moment, but we consider Noni our player for the coming season.”
Decisions will also need to be made on the likes of Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Alfie Gilchrist, Carney Chukwuemeka and Andrey Santos, who are among those due back from loan spells.
More to come?
Regardless of Madueke’s future, wide attackers appear to be a priority for Chelsea this summer. The latest understanding at football.london is that the Blues are preparing a fresh offer for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, having missed out on signing him before the Club World Cup transfer deadline.
Previously reported interest in Dean Huijsen also suggests potential movement at centre-back, although the former Bournemouth man ultimately chose to join Real Madrid instead. With Liam Delap already signed to strengthen Chelsea’s striker options, it’s likely that outgoings in that area will be needed before any further additions are made, amid ongoing links to the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen.
