Forwards:
After a striker, Chelsea’s next priority is a right-footed left winger.
They are known to have expressed an interest in both Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens in January, but no offers were made.
They remain admirers of both players and have been tipped to make a move for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers – another option they like – but having signed a new contract in November, he may not be available unless the squeeze of Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules on Aston Villa’s high wage bill make it happen.
There is also the question of what is happening with both Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk.
Chelsea insist a decision on Sancho will come at the end-of-season summit, with the club obligated to buy him for between £20m and £25m but with a £5m penalty clause available to avoid doing the deal.
Mudryk, meanwhile, remains provisionally banned from playing football after testing positive for a banned substance.
Defence:
Chelsea are also looking into signing a central defender and are known to be among the five clubs interested in Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.
Real Madrid are reported to be Huijsen’s favoured option but there are questions over whether they will pay the £50m release clause.
They also admire Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who enters the last year of his contract this summer, but are cautious as they look at physical options to complement current players and compete with the injury prone but high-performing Wesley Fofana.
The Blues are not guaranteed to bring in a defender, having already signed Mamadou Sarr, 19, from partner club RC Strasbourg.
Experience:
There is an acceptance within the club that Chelsea’s squad lack natural leaders – with only Levi Colwill, still just 22, and potentially Enzo Fernandez, 24, fitting the bill.
Captain Reece James has worked hard to develop that side of his game but is naturally introverted, as is Moises Caicedo.
Youth:
Although Chelsea have trended towards younger signings, older players at a world-class level, with potential to add to the squad in other ways, will also be considered.
Coach Enzo Maresca said earlier this month that the club will “for sure” look to bring in experienced players “to close the gap” with champions Liverpool.
Chelsea have already signed a host of young players, including winger Estevao Willian for £29m, attacking midfielder Kendry Paez for £17m, goalkeeper Mike Penders for £17m and defensive midfielder Dario Essugo for £18.5m, for fees totalling over £150m.
Willian will come into the first-team squad after the Club World Cup, in which he will play for Palmeiras. Paez could go out on loan, Penders could either come into the squad or go on loan, and Essugo is seen as a back-up option for Caicedo.
Midfielder Andrey Santos is also expected to be recalled from his loan spell at Strasbourg to compete in midfield with Romeo Lavia and Fernandez.
Goalkeepers:
Many supporters are clamouring for a new goalkeeper this summer, with Robert Sanchez making five mistakes leading to goals, the joint-highest total in the Premier League.
However, Chelsea maintain trust in Sanchez and believe they have promising alternatives, should he not improve, in Penders, current second choice Filip Jorgensen and Djordje Petrovic, who is on loan to Strasbourg. Petrovic is attracting transfer interest.
