Chelsea Summer Transfer Window 2025: Top Targets, Budget, Most Likely Signings & Key Areas to Strengthen
After securing a top-four Premier League finish and lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy, Chelsea are entering the 2025 summer transfer window with momentum and ambition. With Enzo Maresca stepping into the managerial role and the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, the Blues are not wasting time in the market. Key decisions are already underway as the West London giants prepare to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.
From marquee signings to internal promotions and high-profile departures, Chelsea’s summer transfer strategy is beginning to take shape. Here’s an in-depth look at the Blues’ top targets, available budget, expected incomings, and priority positions for the 2025-26 campaign.
Champions League Qualification Fuels Ambition
Chelsea’s successful 2024-25 campaign has laid a solid foundation for an aggressive summer in the transfer market. Finishing in the Premier League’s top four and capturing the Conference League title has not only restored belief among supporters but also enhanced the club’s financial standing through increased prize money and commercial value.
More importantly, qualification for the UEFA Champions League significantly boosts Chelsea’s appeal to top-tier players across Europe. With the FIFA Club World Cup starting on June 14, the Blues are keen to wrap up key transfers before the June 10 domestic deadline, ensuring the squad is as prepared as possible for the busy summer schedule.
🏆 THE 2024/2025 UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE WINNERS, CHELSEA 🏆 pic.twitter.com/L8d97vgdzo
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 28, 2025
Top Transfer Targets: Chelsea Set Their Sights on Emerging Talent
1. Liam Delap (Ipswich Town)
One of the most advanced negotiations involves Ipswich Town’s striker Liam Delap. The young English forward is expected to complete a £30 million transfer to Chelsea in the coming days. Known for his physical presence and direct approach, Delap will provide an alternative option to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, giving Maresca more tactical flexibility up front.
2. Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Chelsea are also eyeing a move for French striker Hugo Ekitike, who currently plies his trade in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. Although Ekitike’s price tag is considerably higher than Delap’s, his ceiling is believed to be immense. The Blues’ recruitment team has tracked his progress for several years, and discussions are reportedly underway to explore the feasibility of a summer switch.
3. Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as a potential solution for Chelsea’s need for a right-footed left winger. With United under pressure to balance their finances, a bid in the region of £40 million could tempt them to sell the Argentine attacker. Garnacho’s pace, flair, and goal threat would make him a valuable addition to the squad.
4. Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Highly rated Spanish winger Nico Williams is also on Chelsea’s radar. After a standout performance at Euro 2024, his market value has surged. While Athletic Bilbao are keen to keep him, the club may struggle to resist a lucrative offer. Williams would bring pace, technical prowess, and attacking width to Maresca’s system.
5. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Borussia Dortmund)
Another name linked with Chelsea is Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. The England youth international has emerged as a potential alternative to Garnacho and Williams. With Dortmund open to selling if their valuation of £50 million is met, Chelsea are weighing their options carefully.
Alejandro Garnacho is expected to cost around £40m if Manchester United allow him to leave, with Napoli – who tried to sign him in January – thought to be the early frontrunners. Chelsea have also been monitoring his situation. (Guardian) pic.twitter.com/tXthpLXOTw
— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) June 1, 2025
Internal Promotions and New Faces: The Rising Core
Chelsea are not just relying on external recruitment. Two young players are already set to be integrated into the senior squad this summer:
- Andrey Santos – After a productive loan spell at Strasbourg, the Brazilian midfielder is expected to compete for minutes under Maresca.
- Estevao Willian – The talented winger from Palmeiras is also joining the first team, having impressed scouts with his skillset and maturity at a young age.
Both players are viewed as long-term prospects who can contribute immediately in rotation roles.
Chelsea’s Transfer Budget: How Much Can They Spend in 2025?
Following three years of heavy spending under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital — with over £1 billion already invested — many wondered whether Chelsea would scale back in 2025. However, thanks to several financial windfalls, the club is in a strong position heading into the summer.
Revenue Boosts Include:
- Champions League qualification
- UEFA Conference League prize money
- Upcoming Club World Cup participation
- Increased broadcasting and commercial earnings
Furthermore, the club expects to generate additional funds through:
- Outgoing transfers (especially academy products like Trevoh Chalobah, which yield pure profit under FFP rules)
- Loan fees from fringe players
- A reduced wage bill through strategic sales and contract management
The result? Enzo Maresca has access to a significant transfer warchest — albeit one that must be balanced with outgoings and wage structure discipline.
Our final loan round-up of the 2024/25 season is here! 📑👊
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 1, 2025
Most Likely Signings: Who's Close to Joining Chelsea?
As of early June, Chelsea are close to completing the following deals:
Liam Delap – A £30 million move from Ipswich Town is almost finalized. The striker will offer a more direct, physical option than Jackson or Guiu.
Jadon Sancho – Chelsea are in talks with Manchester United over a possible permanent deal for Sancho, who impressed on loan and could add depth and creativity on the flanks.
Other targets like Garnacho and Gittens are being considered depending on price and negotiations. With United open to offers for Garnacho and Dortmund listening to bids for Gittens, both are realistic signings if Chelsea move quickly.
Meanwhile, Nico Williams remains a more complex deal due to his higher valuation and competition from other European giants.
Liam Delap • Welcome to Chelsea #CFC
— TIGGZ (@TIGGZVids) May 30, 2025
pic.twitter.com/9irtGcqsUj
Priority Positions: Where Chelsea Need to Strengthen
Despite finishing the season strongly, Chelsea’s squad still has areas in need of reinforcement. Here’s a breakdown of their key priorities for the summer:
1. Centre-Forward
Top priority is a goal-scoring striker who can provide more consistency and finishing quality than Nicolas Jackson. Delap’s arrival addresses part of this need, but another experienced forward could still be on the cards depending on how the squad shapes up in preseason.
2. Left Winger (Right-Footed)
Maresca wants a right-footed left winger to add creativity and attacking variety. This explains the interest in Garnacho, Williams, and Gittens. The ideal candidate would offer versatility, tactical intelligence, and the ability to cut inside and score goals.
3. Central Defence
While Chelsea’s defence performed admirably in the final stretch of the 2024-25 season, the club is still open to strengthening the centre-back department. Benoit Badiashile could be on the move if a suitable offer arrives, and depending on Trevoh Chalobah’s future, a new defender may be needed.
4. Backup Left-Back
Behind Marc Cucurella, there is a lack of natural left-back depth. Chelsea could explore a low-cost or youth option to provide backup and rotation without disrupting the wage structure.
Possible Departures: Who Could Be Sold?
To fund new arrivals and comply with financial regulations, Chelsea may have to sanction a few sales. These players could leave Stamford Bridge this summer:
- Trevoh Chalobah – Strong end-of-season performances have boosted his value. Any transfer would be pure profit, a factor Chelsea are considering.
- Benoit Badiashile – The French centre-back has had an inconsistent campaign. If a decent offer comes in, Chelsea may opt to cash in.
- Malang Sarr, Armando Broja, Ian Maatsen – All three could be sold or loaned out permanently to make room for incoming talent.
- Loan Army Reduction – Several fringe players out on loan could be moved on to streamline the squad and reduce the wage bill.
According to the @guardian_sport, Chelsea have an extensive list of players up for sale.
— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) June 2, 2025
🔹 Christopher Nkunku
🔹 Joao Felix
🔹 Noni Madueke
🔹 Robert Sanchez
🔹 Djordje Petrovic
🔹 Renato Veiga
🔹 Ben Chilwell
🔹 Axel Disasi
🔹 Wesley Fofana
🔹 Trevoh Chalobah
🔹…
Final Thoughts: Chelsea Building with a Purpose
Unlike previous scattergun transfer windows, Chelsea’s 2025 summer strategy appears more measured and position-specific. With Enzo Maresca looking to instill a clear tactical identity and the club participating in five competitions — including the prestigious Club World Cup — depth and quality are both crucial.
While Liam Delap is set to be the first major addition, don’t be surprised to see a flurry of activity before the June 10 deadline. Whether Chelsea land Garnacho, Williams, or Ekitike may depend on outgoings, but the intent is clear: Chelsea want to win now — and build a sustainable, competitive squad for the future.
