- 23 hours ago
Osimhen and Williams IN: Chelsea's dream line up for 2025-26
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 2 May 2025 11:45 CDT
- 5 min read
Analysis
Chelsea are expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market yet again this summer as Clearlake Capital prepare for another window of major investment.
Enzo Maresca’s debut campaign at the helm has petered out following an encouraging start, although the Blues could yet secure Champions League qualification and the Europa Conference League title.
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If Chelsea are able to book their place in next season’s Champions League, their chances of landing several eye-catching transfer targets will improve tenfold, and Maresca will no doubt be aiming to challenge Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City for the English top flight title in 2025-26.
Chelsea have already agreed deals to bring Kendry Paez, Estevao Willian, Dario Essugo and Mike Penders to the club this summer, although numerous other stars are likely to arrive at Stamford Bridge too.
Meanwhile, the likes of Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku and Axel Disasi are set to be sold by the west London giants as they look to craft a squad capable of challenging for top spot in the Premier League.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through Chelsea’s dream starting XI and substitute options for next season.
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Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have both failed to fill Chelsea fans with confidence in between the sticks and despite interest in a number of goalkeepers across Europe, the Blues’ best option may be Djordje Petrovic.
The Serbian impressed at Stamford Bridge last season and he has enjoyed a successful loan stint at Strasbourg this year.
Mike Penders and Jorgensen would both benefit from loan moves away, with Petrovic to battle Sanchez for a starting berth.
Youngster Gabriel Slonina and veteran Marcus Bettinelli may well be third and fourth choice.
Starting Goalkeeper: Djordje Petrovic
Substitute Options: Robert Sanchez, Gabriel Slonina, Marcus Bettinelli
Defenders
Chelsea are targeting a move for either Marc Guehi or Dean Huijsen this summer and they appear likely to land one of the pair amid their pursuit of a Premier League-proven central defender.
The former may well edge out as Chelsea’s preferred candidate due to his history with the club and his added experience of playing in the English top flight.
Meanwhile, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella will keep their place as Maresca’s preferred options on the left side of defence, with Reece James potentially set to cement his place at right-back if he can stay fully fit.
Axel Disasi will be sold, while Benoit Badiashile may also make way, with Renato Veiga potentially set to return to the Chelsea first-team after a successful loan spell at Juventus.
Starting Defenders: Reece James, Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella
Substitute Options: Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Renato Veiga, Ishe Samuels-Smith
Midfielders
Chelsea’s midfield core will be strengthened significantly this summer thanks to Dario Essugo’s arrival from Sporting CP and Andrey Santos’ return from Strasbourg.
However, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer may well keep their place as Maresca’s favoured trio next year.
Despite this, Santos is still expected to play a key role at Stamford Bridge, while Romeo Lavia will be used regularly when fully fit and Essugo could allow Caicedo to be rested in cup competitions.
Kendry Paez is likely to be loaned out, while Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka could depart on permanent deals.
Starting Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer
Substitute Options: Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Dario Essugo
Forwards
Chelsea are set to spend big in an attempt to significantly bolster their forward line this summer and Athletic Club superstar Nico Williams has been identified as their priority left winger target.
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen remains an option for the centre forward position, with Chelsea expected to sign a new striker, and Noni Madueke could get the nod on the right flank.
Estevao Willian may immediately usurp the England star upon his arrival from Palmeiras, however, while Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto and Tyrique George are also in contention to start.
Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku are expected to be sold, with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu set to battle Osimhen, or whichever striker is signed, for a starting berth.
Starting Defenders: Noni Madueke, Victor Osimhen, Nico Williams
Substitute Options: Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, Estevao Willian, Tyrique George, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu
Chelsea’s dream starting XI for the 2025-26 season
GK: Djordje Petrovic
RB: Reece James
CB: Marc Guehi
CB: Levi Colwill
LB: Marc Cucurella
CM: Moises Caicedo
CM: Enzo Fernandez
RW: Noni Madueke
CAM: Cole Palmer
LW: Nico Williams
ST: Victor Osimhen
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