Chelsea transfer news: After Joao Pedro and 'closing in' on Xavi Simons, what are the Blues' remaining priorities?

Fresh off dethroning Paris Saint-Germain to win the Club World Cup, Chelsea are heading into the 2025-26 campaign with renewed confidence — and even greater ambition. With a busy fixture calendar that includes the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups, the Blues have once again taken an aggressive approach to the transfer window.

The signings of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jorrel Hato, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Estevao have already strengthened Enzo Maresca’s squad, but more reinforcements could follow before the end of the summer.

Centre-back still a question mark at Stamford Bridge

Despite the influx of talent, Chelsea may still look to bolster their back line. Much will depend on outgoings, but uncertainty surrounds several of Maresca’s centre-back options.

Levi Colwill is seen as the only untouchable in the position. Trevoh Chalobah, who impressed on loan at Crystal Palace, could still leave, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana also face uncertain futures. Fofana’s persistent injury problems remain a concern, and neither Axel Disasi nor Renato Veiga — both returning from loans — are expected to feature in Maresca’s plans.

Jorrel Hato, expected to be unveiled imminently, will offer versatility in defence. The 18-year-old Dutchman can provide cover at left-back but is also comfortable in a central role, especially in a ball-playing system.

Maresca's current centre-back options:

Levi Colwill (staying)
Jorrel Hato (new signing)
Trevoh Chalobah (could be sold)
Tosin Adarabioyo (could be sold)
Benoit Badiashile (could be sold)
Wesley Fofana (injury concerns)

Blues monitoring wide options — Garnacho a potential target

Chelsea’s interest in Xavi Simons is well documented, with the Dutch international seen as a major addition alongside Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez. While Simons typically operates centrally, his flexibility to play out wide increases Chelsea’s attacking depth.

However, wide areas remain under review. Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George, Estevao, and Pedro Neto are the current options, but Raheem Sterling is on the transfer list, and Mykhaylo Mudryk remains suspended due to a doping violation.

Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as a potential target. The Argentine winger has reportedly fallen out with new United boss Ruben Amorim and was excluded from their US pre-season tour. Chelsea are closely tracking his situation but are prioritising player sales before making a formal move.

Could Donnarumma change Chelsea’s stance on goalkeepers?

Robert Sanchez’s heroics in the Club World Cup final have cemented his place as Maresca’s No.1 goalkeeper. The club had no plans to add a new name between the sticks — until now.

PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma is reportedly attracting strong interest from Chelsea. According to L’Equipe, the Italian’s contract talks in Paris have stalled, and the Blues are monitoring the situation closely. While goalkeeper is not seen as a pressing area for recruitment, Donnarumma’s availability could prompt a rethink.

Chelsea’s confirmed summer signings so far: