By the time the 2025/26 season kicks off, Chelsea may very well have a much-changed line-up from the one we have seen in recent weeks as this campaign draws to a close.
As has been the case in the summer transfer windows since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the club three years ago, we are expecting a very busy period behind the scenes for the Blues. That has already started, with Liam Delap on his way from Ipswich Town for £30million.
The 22-year-old striker took his medical at Cobham over the past two days and an announcement of the signing is expected imminently. Delap will arrive at Chelsea to provide competition and support for Nicolas Jackson, who was heavily relied upon during the 24/25 season as the Blues' No.9.
There is expected to be rotation between the two rather than one of them being the 'first-choice' striker for Enzo Maresca. With Chelsea competing in the Champions League next season, and the hopes of getting far in Europe's elite competition, there will need to be some rotation as the campaign progresses. Having two really good No.9s will certainly benefit Chelsea.
Elsewhere, the Blues are trying to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens before the FIFA Club World Cup begins later in the month. football.london understands Chelsea have opened talks with the German club over the possible signing of Gittens, who is expected to cost more than £50m. It is understood the English winger is keen to return to British shores with an eye on next year's World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea are also working on the permanent signing of Jadon Sancho from Manchester United. The 25-year-old winger spent the 24/25 season on loan at Stamford Bridge, but had a mixed time and that led to speculation over whether the Blues would pay a £5million exit clause to not take him on a permanent basis.
However, Chelsea are interested in paying United £25million for the winger's services. Personal terms are being discussed with Sancho, who scored in the Conference League final win over Real Betis last week, and his representatives. With all of this being said, football.london takes a look at how Chelsea's attack could shape up next season if the aforementioned signings are indeed completed.
Changes galore
Chelsea are set to have an array of options for their front four next season. If, and it is a big if, no attackers are sold (minus the ones who spent the season on loan and are expected to depart this summer), then the Blues will have the following players to choose from: Delap, Gittens, Sancho, Tyrique George, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Estevao Willian, Cole Palmer, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Jackson.
There is also the curious case of Kendry Paez. Arriving from Independiente del Valle this summer, the 18-year-old Ecuadorian could well be loaned next season as he continues his development. First team opportunities will be difficult to come by for Paez, particularly with Palmer playing in a similar position. Andrey Santos can also be used as a No.10 if needed.
Chelsea could set up a front four in many different ways, of course, but here are a couple of examples. Estevao on the right, Palmer in the No.10, Gittens on the left and Delap as the main striker. Perhaps even with Madueke on the right, Palmer in the No.10, George/Neto/Sancho on the left and Jackson as the striker.
There is scope, too, for Palmer to be rested occasionally - most likely in the cup matches - and see one of Santos or Enzo Fernandez move a bit further forward. No Nkunku, you ask?
Well, Chelsea are expected to sell the Frenchman this summer. There were offers in the January transfer window, but the club wanted to keep hold of him until the summer. Nkunku is said to want a Stamford Bridge exit after two seasons, with not as much impact as he would have liked.
It will be interesting to see what happens with George. The 19-year-old has shown such promise during his breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge. The majority of his appearances in the first team have come in the Conference League, but with Chelsea making the step up in Europe next term, it remains to be seen how many minutes the versatile teenager will get.
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Chelsea Conference League Champions