Following a successful debut season at Stamford Bridge, where Maresca secured a Champions League spot with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season, the Italian manager is now focused on elevating the squad to compete at the highest level in the 2025/26 campaign.
The Blues’ qualification for the Champions League, confirmed on May 25, 2025, has given Maresca a major boost in the transfer market. The achievement not only ensures Chelsea’s return to Europe’s elite competition but also makes Stamford Bridge a more attractive destination for top talents across the continent.
With the club set to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in June and fresh off their UEFA Conference League final, Maresca is keen to address key areas of the squad to maintain momentum.
According to recent reports, Maresca has identified the need for a new striker, a left-winger, a centre-back, and potentially a midfielder to complement the existing core of the team.
The striker position has been a priority, especially after a season where Nicolas Jackson faced limited competition due to injuries to players like Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu.
Maresca has openly confirmed his desire to bring in a new No. 9, with names like Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres, and Benjamin Sesko being linked to the club. The manager believes that adding competition for Jackson will elevate the squad’s attacking output, especially after failing to secure Napoli’s Victor Osimhen last summer.
In addition to a striker, Maresca is reportedly targeting a left-winger to add dynamism to Chelsea’s flanks. The Blues showed interest in Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho during the January window, and similar profiles are expected to be on the radar this summer.
The centre-back position is another area of focus, with the club looking to add depth and quality to support Levi Colwill, who scored the decisive goal against Nottingham Forest.
Finally, while the midfield is considered a strong area with players like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia, Chelsea are set to integrate new signings like Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos, with a potential additional midfielder like Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton also being monitored.
Chelsea’s hierarchy is fully behind Maresca, who has earned their trust after delivering Champions League football in his first season. The club is also planning for the future, with young talents like Geovany Quenda set to join in 2026.
With a busy summer ahead, including the Club World Cup, Maresca aims to have his new signings in place early to ensure a smooth integration into the squad. As Chelsea prepare for a demanding season, Maresca’s vision for a revamped, competitive team is starting to take shape.
