New first choice striker and several exits? Assessing what Chelsea need to do this summer | OneFootball

The curtain has fallen on what has ultimately been a successful season for Chelsea, securing Champions League football for the first time under their current ownership as well as winning the Conference League.

After three years of chopping and changing managers, the ownership group BlueCo seem to have finally landed on the right man, with Enzo Maresca enjoying a fine first campaign in the dugout.

Now that the foundations of success have been laid, what needs to be done in the transfer window for the club to push on?

Striker

It is clear that the Blues need a striker. Nicolas Jackson has done a decent job, with 30 goals in 78 appearances since he joined the club, but his finishing is haphazard, and as he proved with a red card against Newcastle whilst Chelsea were fighting tooth and nail for the Champions League, he cannot be trusted.

Maresca must seek another option. Among those of interest include Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike. Gyokeres is the oldest of the three at 26, and also boasts the most accomplished CV, with 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP.

It is thought however that Chelsea favour Delap, due to his age (22), and having already shown he can score goals in the Premier League. The Englishman had an impressive first season in the top flight, scoring 12 goals despite Ipswich being relegated, and could certainly score more in a better team.

Centre-back

Chelsea are also looking to add a central defender to their ranks. They are not short of options in this department, but the necessary quality may be lacking. Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana is the club’s best duo, but with the latter regularly injured, he has proved unreliable. Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile started the UEFA Conference League final win against Real Betis, but both have made mistakes and may not be at the level required for Champions League football.

The Blues are looking at Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, as well as long-term target Jules Kounde. Guehi is thought to be the preferred option, with the 24-year-old recently having recently won his first trophy with the Eagles, as well as being an established option in the England national team set-up.

Goalkeeper

This has been a position which has haunted Chelsea for years, probably since the departure of Thibaut Courtois seven years ago. It seemed at a point that Edouard Mendy, the man between the sticks for the Champions League triumph in 2021, was the answer, but the following year he had a disappointing campaign before being allowed to leave.

Current options Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen do not inspire much confidence, with both very capable of an error. But the Blues have been scarcely linked with any goalkeepers, and Maresca has continuously backed Sanchez as his number one.

The other option may be Djordje Petrovic. The Serbian shot-stopper will return from his loan spell at Strasbourg this summer and Maresca may look to integrate him into the first team if he thinks the 25-year-old improved enough during his time in France.

Who could go?

As well as a few incomings, Chelsea will need to let go of several players this summer. Among those who may be let go are Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Jadon Sancho. Sancho is in an interesting position as Chelsea will need to pay Manchester United £20-25m to keep him, or could reportedly pull out of that option by paying United a smaller fee.

What to do with players who are coming back?

Axel Disasi – Was on loan at Aston Villa for the second half of the season and does not look to have much of a future at Chelsea.

Andrey Santos – Has impressed at Strasbourg this season and will likely be integrated into the first team.

Joao Felix – Spent the second half of the season on loan at AC Milan after struggling to make an impact on his second spell at Chelsea. His future probably lies elsewhere.

Lesley Ugochukwu – Did okay at Southampton in a poor team. Perhaps another loan spell, or a permanent exit.

Djordje Petrovic – Deserves a chance to show what he can do.

Raheem Sterling – Disappointed at Arsenal and it would be very surprising to see him be reintegrated at Chelsea.

Renato Veiga – Spent time out on loan at Juventus. Has showed promise but is keen for more game time and might be better off leaving.

Tyrique George – Could benefit from a loan move, but not signing Sancho could present him with more opportunities.

Ben Chilwell – Maresca has made it clear he is not in his plans.