After a disappointing campaign, Chelsea head into the summer transfer window with work to do. While there is no shortage of young talent at Stamford Bridge, the squad still feels unbalanced in key areas and is in real need of some more experience. It has been reported that any new signings will wait until the Blues name a new manager, but that should happen sooner rather than later.
Already Joining
It is easy to forget that Chelsea’s squad will already have a few new faces in it next summer, even if there are no further transfer signings. Striker Emmanuel Emegha will be arriving from Strasbourg. Injuries have limited his appearances this season, but there is an expectation he can be an upgrade on Liam Delap, who may well be sold. The 23-year-old’s injury record is something of a concern, however, as he suffered a recurring hamstring problem early in the season, followed by four months out with a thigh injury.
Also making his way from sister club Strasbourg is Mike Penders, following the end of his season-long loan. After impressing in Ligue 1 this season, there is an expectation the youngster can challenge for the number one spot. The Belgian is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, an asset which may appeal to Chelsea’s next manager.
Finally, there is Geovany Quenda, who was signed back in March 2025 in a £40m deal. He missed a large chunk of the Portuguese league season with a metatarsal injury, although this allowed him to spend some time in England. As well as benefiting from Chelsea’s medical facilities, the 19-year-old has been settling in and learning the language. Even allowing for this, though, it is still difficult to see him becoming a regular starter immediately.
How Much Will Chelsea Have to Spend?
Chelsea are confirmed to miss out on next season’s Champions League and the financial rewards that come with it. They may miss out on Europe entirely. This could leave the club hierarchy with somewhat restricted room to manoeuvre unless there are some outgoings. To raise funds for incoming signings, Enzo Fernandez is a strong candidate to depart. The Argentinian has already expressed an interest in joining Real Madrid and would fetch a large sum if the Spaniards are eager to sign him.
Some reports have suggested the club are not in a position where they need to sell anyone this summer, but even if true, this does not mean Chelsea will be able to spend £200m+ again. The club’s most recent accounts showed a Premier League-record pre-tax loss of £262m and they are still operating under a UEFA settlement agreement. Winning the Club World Cup and progressing deep into this season’s Champions League will improve the next set of accounts, but Chelsea need to be careful financially.
Experience Needed
BlueCo have been so focused on signing young talent and high-potential prospects that they have failed to build a balanced squad with the right mix of youth and experience. With an average age of just 23.9, the Blues have the youngest squad in the Premier League by a considerable margin. There has also been a huge amount of turnover in recent transfer windows, with constant incomings and outgoings rarely helping on-field performances.
For that reason, plus some possible financial constraints, Chelsea would be wise to avoid another overly busy summer and instead focus on bringing in two or three experienced players in key positions. Here are the positions where an injection of experience could have the biggest impact.
Centre Back
With three games remaining in the Premier League season, Chelsea have the joint ninth-worst goals-conceded record. Those numbers fall below the standards expected of a team aiming to compete for the top four. If the Blues want to return to the Champions League places next season, improving defensively must become a priority.
The situation will be helped by Levi Colwill’s recent return from injury, as he will benefit from a complete pre-season schedule. The 23-year-old came off the bench in the 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, ending a nine-month absence. Even with Colwill back, Chelsea would benefit from a more experienced defender to play alongside him, and Marcos Senesi, who turns 29 in May, is an ideal candidate. Several clubs are reportedly interested in the Argentinian, whose contract expires in the summer, with Chelsea believed to be among them.
Another player worth considering would be James Tarkowski from Everton. A natural leader and consistently reliable performer, he would provide a safe pair of hands without a huge transfer fee. Chelsea could also continue their strategy of targeting Brighton players by moving for Jan Paul van Hecke. The Dutchman has been excellent this season and would likely slot seamlessly into Chelsea’s back line. John Stones on a free from Man City might also appeal, although like Tarkowski that is a rather left-field suggestion.
Attacking Midfield
In terms of natural attacking midfielders, the Blues are slightly short. Even if Enzo Fernandez stays this summer, he is arguably best deployed deeper in a double pivot. Joao Pedro can play just behind the striker, but he is more accustomed to leading the line. This leaves Cole Palmer, who, as well as often playing on the right, has struggled badly for form this season.
Regardless of whether Palmer rediscovers his best football, Chelsea would benefit from another option in central attacking midfield. Ismael Saibari is one player worth monitoring. Reportedly available for a fee around €60m, he represents a risk coming from the Eredivisie. However, perhaps one worth taking, partly because the Moroccan has shown quality on a bigger stage, scoring against the likes of Napoli, Leverkusen and Bayern in the Champions League this season.
Ismael Saibari😍🎯 pic.twitter.com/K3WQb7ABfX
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) February 28, 2026
For a slightly less risky option, Mikkel Damsgaard could be an excellent fit. Although he signed a new contract with Brentford in January 2025, the club are not usually known for keeping players who want to leave. If Damsgaard pushes for a move, Chelsea may be tempted to make an approach.
Striker
Joao Pedro has proven to be an excellent addition to the Chelsea squad, but a team with Champions League ambitions and potential midweek European matches cannot rely on just one dependable striker. As mentioned earlier, Emmanuel Emegha will arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer, but an extra option, with a better injury record, would be welcome.
One avenue would simply be to keep Nicolas Jackson after he returns from his Bayern Munich loan. However, it would not be surprising if both player and club looked to move on permanently this summer. Victor Osimhen, who Chelsea attempted to sign in 2024, will likely remain an attractive target, although Galatasaray would demand a huge fee for his signature.
If Chelsea prefer a striker with Premier League experience, Ivan Toney could become an option should he decide to end his spell in Saudi Arabia early. He would not be the first player to return quickly from the Middle East, and his goalscoring record at Brentford suggests he could adapt immediately. He would bring experience and offer real value. However, budget permitting, a more attractive option would be Brentford’s current striker Igor Thiago. The Brazilian has enjoyed a prolific campaign and could well form a good partnership with fellow Brazilian Pedro.