During another transfer window, Club World Cup finalists Chelsea have continued with their significant spending, adding notable names to a sizeable squad.
Joao Pedro and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens are some of the names that have joined the club, along with the imminent arrival of Willian Estevao, but what does this mean for Blues boss Enzo Maresca, and how does he deal with this challenge?
Problem Areas
Having such a sizeable squad does mean that there will be areas in the team where players are unsettled over their playing time.
It has become evident that Chelsea have a significant number of goalkeepers, hindering the progress of the likes of Djordje Petrovic and Mike Penders.
Enzo Maresca has opted to rotate Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen. However, this has caused discontent within the Chelsea fanbase as Djordje Petrovic is reportedly joining Bournemouth as a result, with many believing he should start for Chelsea.
In the number nine position, Chelsea have a plethora of options following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. However, this causes a rotation issue that Maresca will have to solve.
Delap may have joined the club with assurances of starting a notable number of games throughout the season. But with João Pedro joining soon after, this may have impacted those plans, which may cause him discontent.
Furthermore, Nicolas Jackson started often for Chelsea last season. He may see his gametime significantly reduced as many believe both Delap and Joao Pedro will offer more quality to the side.
Are They Done Yet?
There are many reasons for Chelsea being able to afford to have such a squad, including player turnover and a healthy status with regard to PSR regulations.
The Blues have sold notable names over the previous years to build their current side, including Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
This should continue to be the case with the likes of Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi all expecting limited gametime after returning to the club and should therefore look to depart, in addition to the departure of Djordje Petrovic.
Chelsea are also looking to secure potential arrivals in this window.
Noni Madueke has made the move to Arsenal in a move that may see young Gunners star Ethan Nwaneri move the other way to West London.
In addition to this, former Manchester United scout Mick Brown has indicated that Chelsea may look to secure the arrival of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez this summer, to add a quality name to their goalkeeping department.
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Maresca Faces a Tough Balancing Act
As long as Chelsea remain in a healthy position with regards to PSR and Financial Fair Play, many will believe that there is a continued chance that the Blues will keep bolstering their squad with new faces.
Owner Todd Boehly continues to secure players on long-term deals, limiting their financial output with regard to wages each year.
Chelsea boss Maresca, however, has a sizeable task on his hands as a result.
Even in the best of times, managers struggle to keep all the players in their squad happy, and Maresca has the unenviable task of ensuring senior players get adequate minutes as well as ensuring youngsters break through into the first team.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / ABACAPRESS
Recording Date: 08.07.2025