Chelsea fans have been treated to a whirlwind of news over the past week, with major developments both on and off the pitch shaping the club’s present and future. From contract renewals and defensive resurgence to transfer dramas and injury setbacks, the Blues’ narrative is as compelling as ever as the 2025-2026 season heads into its winter stretch.
Let’s start at the back, where Marc Cucurella, the Spanish left back who has become a Stamford Bridge favorite, has once again made headlines. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Cucurella signed an improved contract with Chelsea over the summer of 2025. The twist? While his salary has seen a significant bump, the length of the deal remains unchanged—still running through to 2028. That means, by the time the current campaign wraps up, Cucurella will have two years left on his deal, a critical juncture for player negotiations or potential sales under Chelsea’s new ownership model.
Romano explained the situation clearly to his followers: “Marc Cucurella only signed improved terms at Chelsea during the summer. The length of the contract is the same, he received an increase of salary.” The absence of an official club announcement has fueled speculation, but Romano’s update has shed light on why the club might be keeping things under wraps for now.
Cucurella’s journey at Chelsea has been nothing short of remarkable. Just two summers ago, he was close to a loan move to Manchester United, and his early days in blue were marked by inconsistency. Fast forward to today, and the 27-year-old is not only a mainstay in the Chelsea lineup but is also being touted as one of the best left backs in the Premier League—some even go so far as to say, in the world. His turnaround has made him a fan favorite, and his performances this season have largely backed up that reputation, despite a couple of tough outings, including a recent clash against Bournemouth.
While Cucurella’s future seems secure for now, Chelsea’s defensive fortunes as a whole have taken a notable upturn. After a rocky start to the campaign, the Blues’ back line has tightened up considerably. In November, Chelsea conceded just a single goal in league play—a testament to the growing partnership between Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana. The duo have started five games together recently, keeping four clean sheets and conceding only once, against Arsenal. Their chemistry at the heart of defense is giving coach Enzo Maresca plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
“Chalobah and Fofana are currently Chelsea’s best defensive pairing, and Enzo Maresca will be hoping their partnership continues to go from strength to strength,” notes The Chelsea News. With defensive solidity restored, the Blues are quietly building a platform for a stronger second half of the season.
But not all the news coming out of Stamford Bridge is rosy. The club’s attacking options have been thrown into flux, largely due to injuries and shifting transfer priorities. The saga of Nicolas Jackson, for one, appears to be reaching its conclusion. Jackson, who joined Bayern Munich on loan on deadline day with an obligation-to-buy clause tied to appearances, has not met the required threshold—reportedly 40 starts in all competitions. With just six starts from 16 appearances so far, and significant time missed due to the Africa Cup of Nations, the clause can no longer be triggered.
Romano provided a clear update on the Here We Go Podcast: “Nicolas Jackson’s obligation deal conditions will no longer be possible due to his current minutes alongside AFCON. In any case, Jackson and Chelsea is over. Chelsea signed Emegha from Strasbourg, so Jackson is not in their plans.”
Jackson’s future now looks set to unfold away from both Chelsea and Bayern, despite the player reportedly feeling settled in Germany. Several clubs are believed to be monitoring his situation, but barring a late twist, the Senegalese striker will likely be searching for a new home come summer. Meanwhile, Chelsea have already moved to secure their attacking future by signing Emegha from Strasbourg. The Dutch forward is considered to have even greater potential than Jackson and will arrive in London next summer after completing the current season in France.
While the club’s long-term striker plans appear to be taking shape, the immediate situation is less certain. Liam Delap, a promising young forward, suffered a fresh setback with a shoulder injury sustained against Bournemouth on December 6, 2025. It’s a cruel blow for Delap, who had only just returned from a two-month absence due to a hamstring injury picked up at the end of August. Coach Maresca didn’t sugarcoat the news, describing the latest injury as “not good.”
With Delap sidelined once again, Chelsea’s attacking responsibilities will fall to Marc Guiu and Joao Pedro, neither of whom have hit top form in recent weeks. Pedro Neto is another option to lead the line, and fans will be watching closely to see how Maresca juggles his depleted resources up front. The manager’s tactical flexibility is about to be tested, and the coming fixtures could prove pivotal in shaping Chelsea’s league ambitions.
The club’s recent transfer activity and squad management reflect a broader shift in strategy under the new ownership. Players approaching the final two years of their contracts are either offered new deals or moved on, ensuring the squad remains fresh and competitive. That approach, combined with a renewed focus on youth and potential—exemplified by the acquisition of Emegha—signals Chelsea’s intent to build not just for today, but for the seasons ahead.
As the January window looms, speculation will inevitably ramp up around potential incomings and outgoings. The Blues’ improved defensive record offers hope, but injuries and attacking uncertainty mean there’s little room for complacency. Supporters will be eager to see if the club can maintain its upward trajectory, especially as the business end of the season approaches.
For now, Chelsea fans can take heart in the resilience shown by their team, both on the pitch and in the boardroom. With Cucurella locked in, Chalobah and Fofana forming a formidable partnership, and new talents like Emegha waiting in the wings, the future at Stamford Bridge is brimming with intrigue. The next few months promise plenty of twists—and if recent history is any guide, Chelsea’s story is far from finished.
