Incomings

1. Targeted Positions:
   • Winger: Chelsea is looking for a wide player who can offer a consistent goal threat.
   • Striker: While Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer have contributed heavily, Chelsea is exploring reinforcements up front.
   • Midfielder: A player capable of late box runs and finishing chances is also a priority.
2. Potential Signings:
   • Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd): Garnacho is high on Chelsea’s winger wishlist but remains in early stages.
   • Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich): Chelsea is monitoring Tel’s availability as Bayern restricts his playing time.
   • Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd): A summer move is more likely for the talented midfielder.
3. Ruled Out:
   • Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus): Despite speculation, Chelsea is not pursuing the Serbian striker.

Outgoings

1. Confirmed Exit:
   • Renato Veiga: Loaned to Juventus for €5m, with an additional €1m in add-ons. No purchase option included.
2. Players Linked to Departures:
   • Axel Disasi: Villa leads the race for the French defender, with Wolves and European clubs also showing interest.
   • Cesare Casadei: Chelsea values him at €15m with a sell-on clause, with interest from La Liga and Serie A clubs.
   • Carney Chukwuemeka: Chelsea prefers a loan to Strasbourg over Dortmund.
   • Christopher Nkunku: Despite interest from Bayern and Manchester United, Chelsea is firm on a £65m valuation.
3. Under-21 Squad Decisions:
   • Sam Rak-Sakyi: Wanted by Coventry and European clubs; final loan decision pending.
   • Omari Kellyman: Chelsea has shelved plans to loan him out after his recovery from injury.

Squad Challenges

Goal Contribution Concerns:

• Beyond Jackson (15) and Palmer (8), Chelsea’s wide players have underperformed, with no consistent goal-scoring threat outside Noni Madueke.
• Midfielders like Enzo Fernandez have struggled to maintain their form from late 2024, leading to a lack of goals from deeper positions.

Missed Opportunities Up Front:

• Maresca’s hesitation to rely on backup striker Marc Guiu during Jackson’s goal drought has put additional pressure on players like Christopher Nkunku, who is deployed in unfamiliar roles.

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Conclusion:

Chelsea is navigating a complex transfer window with an emphasis on balancing squad needs and trimming excess. As the window closes, the focus will be on securing key targets while ensuring the squad remains competitive for a push toward Champions League qualification.