Chelsea’s summer transfer window just got a whole lot bigger and busier.
Thanks to clinching a spot in next season’s Champions League, the club has landed a massive £100 million boost to their budget.
That’s not all — if they manage to win the upcoming Club World Cup in the U.S., they could potentially double that figure.
So, there’s plenty of cash to spend, but the big question on everyone’s mind is: where will Chelsea invest this money? Which players are in, who’s on the chopping block, and what’s the latest with star winger Mykhailo Mudryk? Let’s dive into all that and more.
The Hunt for New Strikers and What It Means for Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea’s been linked with Hugo Ekitike, the young French striker who currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt.
The catch? Frankfurt values him at £84 million — a price tag Chelsea aren’t willing to meet right now.
They’re focused on finding good deals rather than splashing huge sums immediately.
So, while Chelsea are definitely interested, the deal isn’t close yet.
Meanwhile, there’s been some chatter about Nicolas Jackson’s future amid these moves.
Sources close to Jackson say he’s happy at Chelsea and ready to fight for his place.
On the other hand, younger forward Marc Guiu might be loaned out to get more playing time next season.
Sorting Out the Left Wing Options
Chelsea is eyeing Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, a promising 20-year-old English winger.
He comes with a hefty £50 million price tag, which is actually double what Jadon Sancho cost when he moved years ago.
Despite rumors, Chelsea aren’t rushing to wrap up this deal before the Club World Cup.
If it happens, great — if not, there’s still a second transfer window to sort it out.
Other winger options like Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao seem too expensive, while Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has raised some questions about his character, making Chelsea cautious.
As for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, that one is off the table completely.
Goalkeeper Situation and Potential Moves
Chelsea have checked out AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, but his £25 million asking price is considered steep, especially since he’s 29 and only has one year left on his contract.
Chelsea want more room to negotiate before making a move.
The club currently has four goalkeepers—Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic, and 19-year-old Mike Penders from Genk—but none clearly stands out as No. 1.
Maignan would be an upgrade if Chelsea can get a good deal, and some insiders believe the club shouldn’t miss this chance to strengthen that position.
Who Could Leave Stamford Bridge This Summer?
It’s easier to list players Chelsea aren’t willing to sell.
Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Enzo Fernandez are all considered untouchable.
For the others, though, things are more flexible.
Noni Madueke isn’t actively being pushed out, but if a strong offer comes in, Chelsea and the player might consider a move.
Christopher Nkunku himself wants out, and others like Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Armando Broja, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Renato Veiga, and Axel Disasi could also be sold.
Joao Felix is likely on the market, and there may be interest in Trevoh Chalobah and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as well.
On the younger side, Alfie Gilchrist, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, has already attracted attention, while loans for Aaron Anselmino and Mike Penders are also expected.
Kendry Paez might head to Strasbourg on loan to gain European experience.
Who Will Back Up Cole Palmer in the No 10 Role?
With Kendry Paez potentially going out on loan, the club has to consider who will serve as Palmer’s deputy in the attacking midfield spot.
Chelsea’s Brazilian youngsters Andrey Santos and Estevao Willian are both options.
The plan is to keep them close to the first team to continue their development.
Chelsea hasn’t shown signs of hunting for another dedicated No 10 this summer.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Enzo Fernandez filled in at times last season and could continue doing so.
What’s Next for Some Promising Youngsters?
Josh Acheampong could be on the move for a loan deal, though nothing is finalized yet.
Tyrique George looks set to stay with the club unless plans change.
Meanwhile, Ishe Samuels-Smith is expected to remain part of the first-team setup, likely as a backup to Marc Cucurella.
Manager Enzo Maresca seems to have faith in him.
It’ll be interesting to see which players are chosen for Chelsea’s squad heading to the Club World Cup in the next couple of weeks.
Word is, Liam Delap will be there rather than with England’s Under-21 squad for the Euros.
The Mykhailo Mudryk Situation Remains Complicated
Mudryk is one of the trickiest stories at Chelsea right now.
Due to legal sensitivities, updates are hard to come by without risking trouble.
For a deeper look into his situation, it’s best to refer back to an earlier detailed column from March, as not much has changed since then.
Is Chelsea Prioritizing a New Centre Back?
Right now, the focus isn’t on signing a new centre back.
Chelsea is keeping an eye out for opportunities, like their interest in Dean Huijsen before Real Madrid swooped in, but other positions are higher priority.
Are Elite Signings on the Horizon or Is Chelsea Focusing on Youth?
Despite Champions League football opening more doors, Chelsea’s strategy remains to build with young talent rather than splurge on established stars.
The club is chasing what they see as “elite players in progress,” aiming to develop future superstars rather than buy them fully formed.