Since Todd Boehly took over in 2022 with substantial investments, Chelsea have demonstrated a pressing need for additional signings across several critical areas. The defensive line has faced challenges during the 2023/24 season, underscoring the necessity for new recruits like Tosin Adarabioyo, who joined Stamford Bridge on July 1st following a pre-contract agreement from Fulham.
However, Tosin is unlikely to be the sole defensive addition this summer, as new manager Enzo Maresca has been linked with potential signings such as Riccardo Calafiori. Maresca is also keen on bolstering the forward line, as Chelsea continue to lack a decisive cutting edge, despite Cole Palmer’s impressive tally of 22 Premier League goals last season.
Amid various names under consideration, recent reports suggest Chelsea have been contemplating a move for Kaoru Mitoma, a standout talent in the Premier League in recent years. Mitoma, valued at £51 million, featured prominently for Brighton last season, contributing three goals and four assists as the club made their European debut.
Chelsea’s reported interest in the Japanese forward comes as no surprise, given his impressive form since joining Brighton, where he has contributed to 25 goals since August 2022.
Ben Jacobs also noted that while there hasn’t been an official approach for Mitoma, Chelsea maintains their interest, signaling a potential departure from their usual strategy of investing in younger attacking talents for future development.
Mitoma notably troubled Chelsea during Brighton’s 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge in 2023, making him a potentially ideal signing for a specific player.
The player in question is Nicolas Jackson, who arrived at Chelsea from Villarreal last summer for £29.8m. Despite facing criticism during his debut Premier League season, expectations at a club of Chelsea’s stature demand that a center-forward lead the line and score goals.
Despite these challenges, the Senegalese striker managed to tally 14 Premier League goals last season, finishing as Chelsea’s second-highest scorer.
He clearly possesses the potential to excel as a top-tier striker, and with the added support from a potential new signing like Mitoma, Jackson could elevate his game and thrive at Stamford Bridge.
Described as “sensational” by journalist Daniel Hussey, Mitoma showcased his ability to advance the ball with 3.9 progressive passes per 90 last season, consistently moving play into dangerous areas. His 6.4 progressive carries per 90 also ranked him among the top 2% of all wingers in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2023/24 campaign.
In addition to his ball progression skills, Mitoma contributed 0.3 assists per 90 for Brighton, highlighting his significant attacking threat in the final third. Should the 27-year-old make the move to London this summer, Jackson stands to benefit from Mitoma’s creativity.
Given Chelsea’s substantial investment in future talent, new manager Maresca might see the need for a more experienced option in the attacking third to bolster the team’s push towards the top four.
Mitoma’s demonstrated quality and knack for creating chances could provide Jackson with the platform to build upon his impressive goal-scoring record from the 2023/24 season.
