The race to be the best team in women's football has continued this summer, particularly in England.
Reeling from missing out on the Women's Super League (WSL) crown for the first time in seven seasons, Chelsea are set to sign prodigy Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona.
The Italy international is set to become the fifth addition of the summer to the Blues, following the signings of Melvine Malard, Katie McCabe, Manaka Matsukubo, and Nelly Las.
One of the most interesting Barcelona Femeni transfers of the window, Dragoni leaves the club before fully establishing herself in Catalunya.
Chelsea Close In On Giulia Dragoni Transfer
Chelsea have raided their domestic rivals for new signings this summer, but the imminent addition of Italy international Dragoni sends a message to the whole of Europe.
In Dragoni, the Blues are about to sign a high-profile star who has so much room to grow and is already one of Europe's brightest young talents at 19.
They have found an agreement with the European champions and are a few details away from confirming the signing of the teenage sensation, who enjoyed the 2025-26 season back in Italy.
Dragoni spent two years, the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons back in Italy with AS Roma, having joined them on loan from parent club Barcelona.
The youngster appeared 29 times for the Italian side last season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in a trophy-laden campaign.
Inside the Meteoric Rise of Italy's "Little Messi"
Dragoni began her journey at Inter's academy before making her professional debut aged 16, becoming the youngest player to appear in a professional women's match in Italy.
Barca signed her in January 2023 and immediately assigned her to La Masia, where she was the first female foreigner in history to develop at the academy.
She impressed in the academy, earning the moniker "Little Messi" for how she ran rings around opposition teams in youth football.
She went on to make her debut for the Spanish giants and became the first player from Italy to win the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2024.
This came nearly a year after she made her international debut for Italy at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023.
Where Dragoni Fits Into Bompastor’s Vision
Giulia Dragoni is a versatile attacking midfielder who has been targeted by Chelsea for her versatility.
The youngster won the award for the best midfielder in Serie A in the 2025-26 season as she helped Roma to win the Scudetto and Coppa Italia.
Naturally, she can be used in an attacking midfield role to break up low blocks with her technical quality and skills.
She can also feature on either wing or in a deeper midfield role as a press-resistant box-to-box midfielder.
Dragoni will give Sonia Bompastor a lot of options, particularly given the coach's penchant for tactical fluidity.
She will provide press resistance and progressive passing in whatever role she is deployed on the pitch.
What Young Footballers Can Learn From Giulia Dragoni
Young players must understand the value of moving out of their comfort zone to polish their skills and learn their trade properly.
Dragoni opted to leave Italy for Spain at a very young age, giving herself a chance to play with the likes of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, two of the best players in history.
Also, young players must know that loan spells, when properly utilized, can provide the ideal platform for development.
Dragoni took full advantage of two years in Italy, featuring regularly in senior women's football and becoming a more rounded player, as a result.
Finally, Dragoni is further proof that in football, age is just a number.
The youngster was 16 when she made her senior debut for club and country, and will join Chelsea as a 19-year-old in what has been a remarkable few years for her.
