Maresca needs a new attacker or twoMaresca needs a new attacker or two
Maresca needs a new attacker or two | AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea are being linked with a move for a striker, and a long way in advance.
Chelsea are reportedly pushing to agree a pre-contract agreement with a striker who has been linked with plenty of clubs this summer. The Blues need a striker this summer, and they are likely to get one as they look to add competition for Nicolas Jackson.
Enzo Maresca’s men secured Champions League qualification on the final day of the Premier League season, and that feat sets up a big summer for the club. Chelsea will now have the bargaining power and the finances to pull off some significant deals, and Chelsea fans are hoping a top striker can be procured.
Other areas must also be strengthened, including centre-back and out wide. But Chelsea also have an eye on the future, and they have the opportunity to make use of an inside track that could yield them a top striker.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are pushing for a deal to sign Emanuel Emegha, but it would not come into effect until next year. Romano reported: “Chelsea are planning potential pre-agreement for Emanuel Emegha to join in summer 2026. No chances for 22 year old striker to leave Strasbourg this summer; he’ll lead the line in Europe as key part of the project. Chelsea like him as possible option for the future.”
Emegha has scored 22 times in 55 league appearances for Strasbourg, and that form has seen him linked with a move away from the French club. Strasbourg are also owned by BlueCo, like Chelsea, but they must be operated independently, as per UEFA rules. That means friendly discounts and transfer terms are not allowed, at least not egregiously so, but Strasbourg can give Chelsea negotiation priority, and it seems the Blues will look to make the most of that to land a 22-year-old talent.
Emegha is under contract until 2028, so it’s likely there would be a significant fee involved.
Maresca on transfer plans
Chelsea boss Maresca has spoken favourably of Nicolas Jackson, even with Chelsea’s need for another striker. He said earlier in the spring: "It's not summer now. If we can have a copy of Nico, it's okay.
"I have said many times, and you can see as well, with Nico we are a better team. Nico is the one we need. Last season, he scored goals without penalties. This season he scored goals until he was injured. Now, hopefully, he can score more goals without penalties. We're happy with Nico. And about next season, it's not the moment [to talk about transfers]."
Asked about Chelsea’s transfer plans after securing Champions League qualification, Maresca added: “Now, I’m not thinking about next summer, to be honest. Today is a day that we have to be happy because we brought this club where this club has to be in the most important European competition. And we did today and this is the most important day for them. Now from tomorrow we start to prepare for Wednesday final and then we have days to see for next season.”
The Blues have been linked with plenty of strikers ahead of this summer, including Victor Osimhen, who was subject to Blues talks in the final days of the last summer transfer window. Lille forward Jonathan David, who is available for free this summer, has also been linked.
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