10 players who could join Chelsea this summer

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 10 Apr 2026 04:23 CDT
• 6 min read

News

Chelsea are expected to spend big yet again during the 2026 summer transfer window as they look to finally challenge for the Premier League title for the first time in the BlueCo era.

The Blues appointed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach in January and despite having already finalised four summer signings - Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Denner and Dastan Satpaev - further reinforcements are set to be added to the first-team squad at Stamford Bridge.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through 10 players who could join Chelsea this summer.

Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)

It has been widely reported that Chelsea have reached a full agreement on personal terms with Valentin Barco, with the Strasbourg midfielder set to join the Stamford Bridge outfit on a six-year contract.

The Argentina international has developed into one of the world’s most promising midfielders during his time in Ligue 1, having arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion as a left-back, and he is set to bolster Rosenior’s options in the middle of the park.

Despite the plethora of midfielders already at Chelsea’s disposal, it’s reported that Barco has been told he will play a key role for the west London giants upon his arrival ahead of next season.

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Morgan Rogers was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last summer, but the Blues were unable to finalise a deal and he opted to sign a new long-term contract at Aston Villa in November.

Despite this, Rogers’ future with Unai Emery’s side remains uncertain and reports have indicated that he will look to leave Villa Park if they fail to secure Champions League qualification this term.

Chelsea are his strongest suitor in the Premier League and the Blues are expected to chase a deal when the summer window opens.

Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)

If a deal for Rogers isn’t possible, Chelsea are likely to turn their attention to finalising a transfer for Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, who has enjoyed an eye-catching campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Senegal star has been an integral player for David Moyes’ side and his form has attracted the attention of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, as per multiple reports.

Chelsea are also keeping close tabs on his situation and with the west London giants wanting a new attacker, Ndiaye fits the bill perfectly.

Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

Murillo’s future at Nottingham Forest could depend on whether or not they are relegated from the Premier League this season, with a host of clubs waiting in the wings to pounce if they fall back down to the Championship.

The Brazilian has been a standout performer since his arrival from Corinthians in 2023 and he has been on Chelsea’s radar for over 12 months amid their well-publicised pursuit of a new central defender.

Murillo is one of the club’s top targets ahead of this summer, although a deal may be complicated by Levi Colwill’s return to full fitness, given the pair are both left-footed.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Adam Wharton is expected to follow in the footsteps of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi by securing a high-profile Crystal Palace exit this summer.

The England midfielder has been in immense form at Selhurst Park this campaign and he is wanted by every top Premier League club, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd.

If Real Madrid are able to fund a deal for Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea will require another new central midfielder and Wharton is among their primary candidates for the role amid his ascent to stardom under Oliver Glasner.

Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)

An alternative to Wharton is his England team-mate Elliot Anderson, who is also set to move clubs for a sizable transfer fee during the upcoming summer transfer window.

While Manchester City and Man Utd are currently the frontrunners to sign the Nottingham Forest midfielder, Chelsea have also been monitoring his progress in recent months and they could be set to pounce when the window opens in June.

However, as with Wharton, a deal may depend upon whether Fernandez leaves Stamford Bridge and if a deal for the aforementioned Barco goes through.

Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton)

Chelsea have enjoyed shopping at Brighton & Hove Albion in recent years and they could be set to return to the AMEX Stadium to sign Jan Paul van Hecke.

The Netherlands international has been an underrated performer since breaking into the Brighton first-team and multiple clubs are understood to be scouting him ahead of a possible summer swoop.

Chelsea are among them, with the Blues identifying Van Hecke as a potential summer signing amid their pursuit of a central defender with proven experience in the Premier League.

Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)

Chelsea are expected to go into next season with Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Emegha as their two centre forward options, although links with Julian Alvarez refuse to go away.

Arsenal and Barcelona are considered frontrunners for his signature, while Atletico Madrid have no interest in sanctioning a sale, but Chelsea are still in the race to sign him this summer.

Furthermore, they could intensify their pursuit of the Argentina striker if they are able to offload Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap on permanent deals.

Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)

Another central defender on Chelsea’s radar is Marcos Senesi, who is set to leave Bournemouth as a free agent when his current contract expires at the end of June.

The Argentina international has been in excellent form for Andoni Iraola’s side this season and Chelsea are among the clubs eager to sign him this summer, largely due to the fact he will be available on a Bosman deal.

Senesi’s arrival would, however, likely coincide with a centre-back exit at Stamford Bridge, with Benoit Badiashile potentially set to be sacrificed, in addition to his compatriot Axel Disasi.

Diego Moreira (Strasbourg)

Diego Moreira left Chelsea to join sister club Strasbourg for €8.5m in 2024, but the Blues included a buy-back clause in the deal allowing them to bring the Belgium international back to Stamford Bridge if they wish.

After an impressive stint in Ligue 1, in which he has performed admirably in a number of positions, Chelsea have been linked with re-signing Moreira this summer, although they may simply opt to bring him back before selling him on for a profit amid interest from Borussia Dortmund.

The versatile 21-year-old could, however, prove to be a useful squad player if Chelsea decide to keep him.

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