With the 2025 summer transfer window officially open from June 6, Chelsea are preparing for another transformative period as they gear up for the 2025–26 season. Backed by fresh revenue streams and a new manager in Enzo Maresca, the Blues are eyeing strategic reinforcements across multiple positions.
🎯 Top Transfer Targets
Chelsea have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million, adding a new dimension to their attack alongside Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu. But the club’s forward hunt isn’t over. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is reportedly high on their list, though his price could be more than double Delap’s.
On the wings, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens remains a top priority. Although Chelsea failed to agree on a fee for him in time for the Club World Cup, talks have progressed, and a deal north of £50 million may soon be finalized. Alejandro Garnacho is also a name under consideration, though Gittens is currently favoured.
Internally, the squad will be bolstered by the returns of Andrey Santos and Estevao Willian from loan spells at Strasbourg and Palmeiras respectively. Defensive reinforcements also arrived in the form of Mamadou Sarr, who joined from Strasbourg and is expected to play a first-team role.
💸 Transfer Budget Outlook
Despite spending over £1 billion under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital regime, Chelsea are in a strong financial position thanks to Champions League qualification, winning the Conference League, and participation in the Club World Cup. With more income rolling in, the club is expected to have a robust summer budget.
Additional funds will be generated from player sales, loan fees, and trimming the wage bill. This means Enzo Maresca will have ample flexibility in the market, with a sizable transfer warchest at his disposal.
✅ Most Likely Arrivals
The confirmed signings of Delap, Sarr, and Dario Essugo give Chelsea a head start in their recruitment drive. Gittens is the most likely next arrival, pending agreement on a final fee.
Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to join Arsenal for £5 million after loan spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth. Other sales could include Trevoh Chalobah, whose transfer would count as pure profit, although his strong form since returning from loan has made his future uncertain.
Players like Christopher Nkunku, Benoit Badiashile, and Axel Disasi are also drawing interest, while Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, and Joao Felix appear to be out of favour and could be offloaded.
📌 Transfer Priorities
Chelsea’s main target remains a physically dominant striker to improve on Jackson’s output. While Delap fills part of that need, the club may still pursue a more experienced option unless they place full trust in young Guiu.
Another key need is a right-footed left winger, where Gittens leads the shortlist. The goalkeeper position is no longer a focus after missing out on AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. At left-back, a backup to Marc Cucurella might be the only minor addition.
As Maresca shapes his new-look Chelsea, the club is combining young talent with strategic spending and smart sales to build a more balanced and competitive squad for domestic and European campaigns ahead.