How Chelsea could line-up next season | OneFootball

Chelsea have secured a return to Champions League football after finishing the 2024/25 campaign in fourth, and the club have already identified key areas in which they need to improve. No team in the top five scored less than Chelsea’s 64 goals with attack a position in which they need to bolster. They’ve already confirmed the arrival of Liam Delap from relegated Ipswich Town for a £30m fee, but club officials are working on further deals.

As reported via our colleagues at Get German Football News, talks between Chelsea and Eintracht Frankfurt for the transfer of French attacker Hugo Ekitike have taken place. The Frenchman has been a revelation in the Bundesliga, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 33 league games last season as Frankfurt – who want a package of around €100m for the striker – secured Champions League football.

But it’s another Bundesliga talent in which Chelsea have their eye on. Enzo Maresca’s side have submitted a €35m offer to Borussia Dortmund for English winger Jamie Gittens, but the Bundesliga side are holding out for a fee closer to €50m. The Athletic report that Chelsea have already agreed terms with Gittens, who – despite being raw – would improve the team’s wide areas with Jadon Sancho returning to Manchester United.

Defensively, Chelsea face competition from fellow Champions League returnees Newcastle United in their pursuit to sign former academy product Marc Guehi. The England international played 44 games across all competitions for Crystal Palace last season, including their FA Cup final win over Manchester City. Crystal Palace are already eyeing a replacement in the event that Guehi does leave, but the Englishman would certainly strengthen Chelea’s defence alongside compatriot Levi Colwill.

And despite spending €83.5m on four goalkeepers: Filip Jørgensen, Mike Penders, Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic, Chelsea are set to add another goalkeeper to their ranks with Kepa Arrizabalaga nearing a move to Arsenal. Milan and Chelsea have agreed on an €18m deal that will see the Frenchman join Chelsea. The 29-year-old has declined of late but Milan have regressed themselves which is certainly a contributing factor. A new environment could do Maignan the world of good and he’s become the undisputed number one at Stamford Bridge.

Graphic via line-up builder

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