It's no secret that Enzo Maresca’s debut season at Chelsea has been a challenging one.
Despite inheriting a squad packed with elite talent and adding even more firepower last summer – including Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and Jadon Sancho—the Italian has struggled to get his team firing consistently.
Yes, Chelsea remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot and are strong contenders to win the Europa Conference League. However, their performances have been largely underwhelming –especially since the turn of the year.
Now, with just nine Premier League games remaining, Maresca appears to be looking ahead to the summer, aiming to strengthen his squad once again in hopes of a stronger campaign next season.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are preparing for a "busy window" with both arrivals and departures expected.
Writing exclusively for GIVEMESPORT, Romano claims the Blues could offload as many as eight players, including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Axel Disasi – who are currently on loan at Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa, respectively.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and forwards Armando Broja and Joao Felix are also among those who could leave, as Chelsea look to raise funds and recoup some of the £62.4 million spent on Sporting Lisbon duo Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo.
In terms of signings, Romano didn’t mention specific names but highlighted two key positions Chelsea are prioritising.
"One crucial message is coming from sources close to the club: the striker will be an absolute priority," wrote Romano. "Negotiations are expected to take place closer to the summer window, with the Blues intending to spend important money on a new number 9 for Enzo Maresca."
"And the expectation is also for Chelsea to add one more winger to the squad, despite the arrival of Willian Estevão in the summer and then Geovany Quenda in 2026," he added. "The Blues want one more, with movements also expected in that position."
Chelsea need to revamp their forward line
Everything Chelsea says...
While Chelsea have had issues across the pitch this season – particularly in goal and central defence – their most glaring problem, aside from the Conference League, has been their lack of depth and quality up front.
When Nicolas Jackson was fit and firing in the first half of the season, Chelsea looked solid – at times, even like title contenders.
But since the turn of the year, his form has nosedived, and when he suffered an injury in February, the Blues were left with a major void up front and few viable options to fill it.
Marc Guiu has impressed in Europe but is still just a teenager – and is currently injured. Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku doesn’t seem interested in leading the line, or playing for Chelsea at all, for that matter.
As a result, Maresca has had to deploy Pedro Neto as a makeshift striker. While the Portuguese winger brings energy and creativity, he simply isn’t a natural center-forward.
Signing a proper No. 9 this summer is an absolute must for Chelsea. The only question is whether it should be as a backup to Jackson or a direct replacement.
With his season split into two contrasting halves, it’s difficult to determine which direction the club should take. Perhaps the final nine games will provide Maresca with the answer.
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