Chelsea's summer transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most eventful in recent memory, with the Blues aggressively pursuing new talent to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. Following their Club World Cup triumph in the United States, head coach Enzo Maresca has overseen a flurry of activity, welcoming new signings such as Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Dario Essugo, and Willian Estevao. Notably, defender Jorrel Hato, aged 19, is set to complete a £37 million move from Ajax, with his medical scheduled just in time for Chelsea's mini pre-season starting the first week of August.
While these arrivals have energized the squad, Chelsea's focus remains firmly on strengthening their attacking options. The club is in advanced talks to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, a deal that, if completed, would add significant firepower following Joao Felix's departure to Al-Nassr. Simons, 22, has expressed a keen interest in joining Stamford Bridge, though the clubs have yet to agree on a transfer fee. Despite this, Chelsea's pursuit of another attacker has not waned, as they continue to chase Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho, the 21-year-old winger, has been a long-term target for Chelsea, and recent developments suggest a move could materialize before the summer transfer window closes. The Argentine has fallen out of favor at Old Trafford under head coach Ruben Amorim, who reportedly instructed him to find a new club following Manchester United's Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Garnacho has not traveled with the squad for their pre-season tour in the United States, signaling his intent to leave.
Manchester United initially valued Garnacho at around £70 million during the January 2025 transfer window, but no club met that asking price. Since then, the valuation has reportedly dropped to approximately £45 million, though Chelsea is understood to be reluctant to pay more than £30 million. This discrepancy has been a sticking point, but Chelsea's interest remains strong, bolstered by the player's preference to stay in the Premier League and his desire to join a Champions League-contending side. Chelsea has emerged as Garnacho's favored destination, despite links to Aston Villa and other European clubs.
One of the key hurdles Chelsea faces is the need to balance their squad and finances to accommodate new signings. The club is actively working to offload several players to create space and free up funds. Christopher Nkunku and Armando Broja are among those expected to leave permanently, while Marc Guiu and Tyrique George are set to move out on loan. Nicolas Jackson is also likely to depart for a substantial fee, with Newcastle United and Juventus reportedly interested. These moves are crucial if Chelsea are to secure both Simons and Garnacho this summer.
According to multiple reports, including The Telegraph and The Athletic, Chelsea has conducted thorough background checks on Garnacho’s character and personality, finding no concerns that would deter their interest. This due diligence has reassured head coach Enzo Maresca and the club's executives, who see the Argentine as a player with immense potential and a high ceiling. The Blues are prepared to make a formal offer for him, but may have to wait until Manchester United finalizes their search for a new striker, with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko reportedly at the top of Old Trafford’s wishlist.
Interestingly, Chelsea has also indicated willingness to engage in swap deals involving players they no longer need, such as Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, as part of negotiations with Manchester United. This strategy could help facilitate the transfer while balancing the books for both clubs. Chelsea’s financial position has strengthened following their recent successes, but smart business remains essential to maintain squad harmony and comply with Premier League regulations.
Beyond the Garnacho and Simons pursuits, Chelsea’s transfer dealings have included strategic moves like the signing of Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg for £12 million, followed by loaning him back to the French club. This decision allowed Sarr to participate in the Club World Cup with Chelsea’s first team and is a cost-effective measure to avoid a higher fee if the transfer had been delayed until next summer.
As the summer window progresses, Chelsea's management is also negotiating potential front-of-shirt sponsorship deals expected to bring lucrative revenue streams. These financial injections could further support the club's ambitions on and off the pitch.
For Garnacho, the move to Chelsea represents a chance to revitalize his career at a club with Champions League aspirations. Despite his fallout with Manchester United’s coaching staff, Chelsea remains undeterred, confident in his character and potential contribution. If the Blues manage to finalize this deal alongside their other transfer targets, it could mark a transformative summer for the club’s attacking lineup.
With the transfer window closing soon, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see if Chelsea can complete these high-profile signings. The combination of new arrivals and departures will shape the team’s competitive edge as they prepare to challenge on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.
