Callum McFarlane will lead Chelsea out at Sunderland tomorrow afternoon with the knowledge that a win will at least secure Chelsea some form of European Football.
With the end of the season upon us, another transfer window emerges, and for the club, this summer will mark a key moment in the project led by Clearlake Capital, as reports suggest that the Blues will ‘tweak’ their previous youth led strategy.
Below, we report what we’re hearing so far on the summer plans.
Chelsea Hold Internal Positivity
Whilst the brutal fact of no Champions League qualification in three out of the four seasons under Blueco certainly hits home, Chelsea insiders believe that under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, they are only 3-4 proven signings away from competing on all fronts.
It is understood that controlling owner Behdad Eghbali was extremely impressed in talks with Alonso and believes that the appointment of such a respected figure signifies a turning point in the project, and an admission that some mistakes have been made in the past.
Suggestions of Chelsea being ‘screwed’ financially have been heavily downplayed, and so have the suggestions that investors from Clearlake are putting pressure on Eghbali and Jose Feliciano to deliver better results.
Whilst everyone wants better, from the ownership to the fans, and ultimatley there is recognition that success on the pitch helps finances, sources describe Egbhali’s acquisition of Chelsea as “not the typical private equity purchase”. It is understood that Eghbali is a big Football fan and purchased Chelsea out of genuine passion and want to do well, not to make money.
It is also said that Eghbali seeks advice from external individuals, such as ex coaches and analysts, to learn more about football and help be informed.
3-4 New Signings Targeted
As said at the start of the article, Chelsea’s current idea is to target between 3-4 new signings during the summer window. This does NOT include deals that have already been agreed, though striker Emmanuel Emegha’s future has not been yet decided.
That is because sources have told Striver Football that Chelsea will give Alonso a huge say on both sales and purchases, with Nicolas Jackson one of those that could potentially stay, should Xabi Alonso decide so.
Alonso will also hold talks with youngster Josh Acheampong, who would like to leave should he not feel that he will get regular game time.
Chelsea and Alonso would like to strengthen the defence, with two centre back signings possible, depending on sales. There was an idea floated internally recently to buy one more experienced centre back and one younger option.
Como's Jacobo Ramon is someone that would bring height, an area that alongside with physicality is something that both Alonso and club analysts have suggested needs improving. Any centre back signing will have to possess ball playing as one of their standout attributes, to help fit the demands of Alonso's system.
Several scouts at Chelsea have been following the development of Club Brugge centre back Joel Ordonez, and have been watching more ready made Premier League options as of recent weeks. The Blues were previously put off by the wage demands of Ibrahima Konate. The French defender has not yet signed a new deal at Liverpool.
In attack, Morgan Rogers is a player who has massive fans internally and was ready to join in January, but Aston Villa refused to sell. Chelsea are looking for someone who can operate off the left and also in the number ten role.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki are players that the club like for potential deeper midfield pivot additions, should Alonso decide he needs one, while Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba could be on the move this summer, too.
Chelsea asked about Baleba in January 2025, and his price may have dropped off since then, leading to a potential market opportunity.
Chelsea scouts also rave about Elliot Anderson, but is expected to cost a fortune.
The club and Alonso are at early stages of discussing potential additions to the squad and more targets are set to reveal themselves over time.
A potential for major summer sales
Chelsea will sell this summer, and they could sell a lot. Sources contacted by Striver have said that ‘most players will informally be up for sale’. This means that while specific names may be protected in the media, the reality is Chelsea would listen to bids for them privately. This process is expected to accelerate further if Chelsea miss out on Europe entirely.
Some sources believe those players could include the likes of Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Andrey Santos, Pedro Neto, and Malo Gusto.
The likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin and Filip Jorgensen all want more game time and are expected to leave if the club get good enough bids. Some players believe that they have not got a fair shake and cannot be expected to perform consistently when they don't get a run of games to show it.
Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella are contractual situations to watch, whilst reports of Enzo Fernandez leaving have been backed up and verified by sources as a very real possibility, mainly due to the relationship between Chelsea and current agent Javier Pastore.
Chelsea have zero interest in selling Joao Pedro and will only do so if he forces his way out, which Chelsea insiders believe won't happen, and there is a belief that there is no one on the market this summer that would be good enough to replace him.
The drama between former head coach Enzo Maresca and Chelsea could not yet be over either, with legal action a possibility should Chelsea not receive adequate compensation from Manchester City that they believe they are owed.
