Mohamed Kudus has been linked with an exit from West Ham.placeholder image
Mohamed Kudus has been linked with an exit from West Ham. | Getty Images
Enzo Maresca appears to be prioritising attacking signings this summer after falling away from the Mike Maignan pursuit.
Chelsea players continue to wait for their summer break as the Club World Cup goes on, and it also appears to be a hive activity back home at Stamford Bridge when it comes to transfers.
The Blues aren’t short of transfer rumours after a solid first season under Enzo Maresca, which ended in Europa Conference League triumph. The former Leicester City manager is set to be backed by the board this summer as Chelsea look to continue their climb back up the Premier League table.
LondonWorld looks at how Chelsea could line up next season in a dream starting XI should current transfer rumours come true.
Chelsea starting XI should current transfer rumours prove true
Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen
Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Ousmane Diomande, Moises Caicedo
Chelsea made a move for AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup but were unsuccessful with their bid. Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has now claimed the search for a goalkeeper is now closed. He wrote on X: “The Mike Maignan chapter is closed for Chelsea. They will not be signing him this summer. As reported earlier this month, they were offered the AC Milan goalkeeper but walked away from a potential deal before the first window of the summer.
“Chelsea did not make a bid for Maignan and as things stand there is only a small chance they will sign another goalkeeper this summer. They have four goalkeepers - Sanchez, Jorgensen, Petrovic and Penders. One will go on loan to Strasbourg and one will be sold.”
West Ham have been linked with a move for Sanchez, which could promote Jorgensen to number one. In front of the keeper, Maresca seems determined to deploy Moises Caicedo at full-back and TEAMtalk credit the Blues with interest in Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande.
Enzo Maresca set to bolster flanks at Stamford Bridge
Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer
Wingers: Jamie Gittens, Mohammed Kudus
Enzo Fernandez will continue to be the metronome in midfield with Romeo Lavia hoping for an impactful season off the treatment table. Cole Palmer still bagged 15 goals last season despite barren runs.
The wide men for Chelsea look to be a key area of investment. The Athletic carried the latest on Tuesday morning with the London outfit still making good progress towards the signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, as well as holding interest in West Ham man Mohammed Kudus.
Striker: Hugo Ekitike
The Athletic also report that Chelsea have several targets to add goals to their squad, including Eintracht Frankfurt man Hugo Ekitike. However, that deal will only be possible if the €100 million price tag is lowered.
The future of Nicolas Jackson is said to be in doubt after his latest red card with Christopher Nkunku also likely to be on his way out.
In other news, Chelsea decide to axe 10 players, including £65m forward and £17m star.
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