Chelsea summer transfer window 2025: Top targets, budget, most likely signings and priority positions

Chelsea had already raised their profile for this summer's transfer window through Champions League qualification and a Conference League trophy even before they won the Club World Cup.

Overcoming Paris Saint-Germain in style earlier this month has created the perception that the Blues can become a major force next season and beyond, with a number of high-profile names joining a heavily-populated squad.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how Chelsea are approaching the summer transfer window and considers who is most likely to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

Top targets

Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap has completed a transfer to Chelsea, ticking a box in terms of acquiring a new centre-forward to compete with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.

The Blues have also confirmed the signing of another top target in the form of Jamie Gittens, who moves from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in search of a first-choice spot on the flanks for the Stamford Bridge club.

Chelsea have also finalised the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, with the Brazilian becoming an instant hit, netting three times in the Club World Cup semi-finals and final.

With Andrey Santos and Estevao Willian in line to be integrated into the squad after their times with Strasbourg and Palmeiras respectively, the only other current target position appeared to be central defence, but Mamadou Sarr's move from Strasbourg has now been finalised and he is allegedly being viewed as a first-team player ahead of next season.

Budgets

This feels very much like a moving part this summer. Having spent in excess of £1bn since their arrival, Boehly and Clearlake have already invested an astronomical amount of money into Chelsea over the last three years.

However, with the revenue generated from a top-four Premier League finish, winning the Conference League and, most notably, Champions League qualification and lifting the Club World Cup, Chelsea are in line for a vast increase to their revenue.

Combined with the expected sales, loan fees and reducing the wage bill between now and September, Enzo Maresca can expect to have a transfer warchest should he wish to use it.

Although excitement surrounding potential incomings is inevitable, there will also be a focus on bringing down the size of a bloated first-team squad in West London.

Most likely signings

As noted, Delap became a Chelsea player in a £30m deal before the Club World Cup, essentially taking the West Londoners to three fresh faces for 2025-26.

Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo, who completed transfers before the competition in the United States, could remain a part of the squad for next season.

Gittens has joined Pedro in becoming a Chelsea player, but it remains to be seen who the Blues hierarchy will target after that deal.

In terms of sales, Kepa Arrizabalaga has completed a £5m transfer to Arsenal after spending the previous two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

Reports have indicated that offers may be considered for Christopher Nkunku and Axel Disasi, while the likes of Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix are seemingly persona non grata at the Bridge.

Priority positions

With Gittens's move to Stamford Bridge confirmed, the attacking contingent may be complete.

From there, club officials may prefer to assess the market for opportunities than push to strengthen a specific position, 

Aside from potentially moving for a backup option at left-back for Marc Cucurella or reigniting their chase for a new goalkeeper, Chelsea may not do any further business.

Written by
Darren Plant