Enzo Maresca can strengthen his Chelsea squad without spending a penny in the summer transfer window. Not only are the Blues set to welcome four new faces to Stamford Bridge, but there's a wealth of homegrown talent also waiting for an opportunity.
Chelsea enjoyed a great start to the season, climbing to second in the Premier League table. At one stage, the West Londoners were even considered to be potential title contenders but, unfortunately for Maresca, his side had a bit of a wobble over the festive period.
Despite injuries to some big names and a dry January, the Blues managed to hold onto a place in the top four. While Tyrique George, Josh Acheampong and Shim Mheuka have hardly played starring roles this season, they've been refreshing additions to the first-team setup.
The trio may not be the first names on the team sheet, but they'll save Chelsea millions this summer as Maresca focuses on reaching the next level. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what players the club already has their hands on.
Josh Acheampong
Acheampong, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in June 2029, has featured eight times for Chelsea this season, plugging gaps across the backline. Whether he's slotted in at right-back, left-back or centre-half, the 18-year-old defender has proved he's ready for a greater role in Maresca's squad.
Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill of Chelsea
Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill (Image: Julian Finney)
At the start of the year, the Blues boss named Acheampong as the 'best player' on the pitch during a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. Maresca said: "All the players, for me, were good today but if I had to decide for one, Josh was the best player. He can be a top player for this club. We decided today because we saw he was ready. Today he showed how good he is."
Tyrique George
George, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in June 2027, has featured 17 times for Chelsea this season, providing four assists. The 19-year-old winger has played a key role in Maresca's side throughout the UEFA Conference League campaign, helping the Blues reach the quarterfinals.
Chelsea attacker Tyrique George
Tyrique George is raw but ready for more at Chelsea (Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
With Jadon Sancho facing an uncertain future and Mykhailo Mudryk still suspended, George has a clear pathway into the starting lineup next season. Chelsea are blessed with talent on the right wing, but there's an opening on the left.
Shim Mheuka
Mheuka, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in June 2027, has only featured three times for Chelsea this season, but he's certainly caught the eye. With lots of room for improvement, the 17-year-old could step up as Maresca' new third-choice striker next term.
Chelsea attacker Shumaira 'Shim' Mheuka
Shim Mheuka is the fifth youngest Chelsea player to make an appearance in the Premier League (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
If the Blues were to break the bank on a top striker in the summer, Marc Guiu could leave on loan, opening the door for more minutes for Mheuka. In the meantime, the teenager will be desperate to impress.
Andrey Santos
Santos, who Chelsea signed from Vasco da Gama for just £18m in January 2023, has featured 24 times for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. Playing a key role in Liam Rosenior's side, the 20-year-old has fired the French outfit to 7th in the table.
Andrey Santos could help Enzo Maresca solve a Chelsea midfield problem
Andrey Santos could help Enzo Maresca solve a Chelsea midfield problem (Image: (Photo by Sathiri Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images))
Since joining Strasbourg on loan from the Blues, Santos has developed into one of the most exciting young players in Europe – and arguably one of the division's leading midfielders. With the Brazil international in the first-team setup, Maresca could finally give Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez a well-earned rest.
Estevao Willian
Estevao, who Chelsea signed from Palmeiras in the summer for an initial £29m, has featured 13 times in the Paulista Championship this year, scoring five goals. The Blues raised eyebrows when they forked out such a hefty fee for the 17-year-old winger, but now he looks to be a shrewd investment.
Estevao Willian drives the ball past Gustavo Henrique
Estevao Willian will join Chelsea this summer from Brazilian club Palmeiras (Image: Adriana Spaca/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)
Not only can Estevao play on the right, but he can also operate as a number ten, making him the perfect understudy to Cole Palmer. Christopher Nkunku has often stepped in for the Chelsea talisman this season, but he's struggled to impress.
Kendry Paez
Paez, who Chelsea signed from Independiente del Valle for £17.5m in June 2023, has featured 41 times across all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. Once he turns 18 in May, the playmaker will be eligible to finally join Maresca's squad in the summer.
Kendry Paez
Kendry Paez will join Chelsea in the summer (Image: Franklin Jacome)
Not only can Paez play on the right, but he can also play in midfield, which should make him an excellent squad player next season. A loan to Strasbourg wouldn't be the worst idea in the world, where he'd have the freedom to make mistakes, hone his skills and develop under a very good young coach.
Dário Essugo
Essugo, who Chelsea recently signed from Sporting CP for £18.5m, has featured 17 times for Las Palmas in LaLiga this season. The 20-year-old midfielder looks to be an exciting apprentice for Moises Caicedo to take under his wing.
Like Paez, a loan to Strasbourg would make sense – especially with Santos coming back the other way. But, with Caicedo playing so many minutes this season, Essugo could be a good understudy to share the workload.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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