Blues accelerate rebuild under Maresca with key moves in attack and defence
Chelsea are on the verge of sealing a £30 million transfer for a rising Ipswich Town striker, whose eye-catching performances have drawn widespread attention. The Blues are said to be “confident” the deal will be completed soon, viewing the young attacker as a dynamic addition to their frontline as they prepare for the 2025/26 campaign.
Simultaneously, Chelsea are negotiating for a Premier League centre-back, with the player’s current club publicly accepting his imminent exit. Though the defender remains unnamed, insiders suggest he matches Enzo Maresca’s demand for young, physically dominant, and tactically intelligent players—a perfect fit for the manager’s possession-based, high-intensity system.
Why this matters:
Chelsea’s defence was a weakness last season, with injuries and inconsistency affecting their campaign.
Strengthening the backline is a top priority, and the club is determined to bring in Premier League-proven quality.
The early moves are part of Maresca’s plan to mould the squad in his image before pre-season.
Competition:
Other English and European clubs are said to be monitoring both targets, meaning Chelsea will need to act decisively to avoid bidding wars.
The strategy:
Chelsea’s recruitment approach aims to blend youthful promise with experience, and the current targets reflect a calculated push to build depth, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
Next steps:
Expect formal bids and announcements in the coming weeks, as Chelsea aims to finalize these deals swiftly—giving Maresca the tools to hit the ground
running next season.
