Chelsea transfer shortlist decided as chiefs told to sign Liverpool flop and Newcastle star

Liam Rosenior has suggested that Chelsea could look to sign experienced players in the summer transfer window.

Since May 2022, when Clearlake Capital, owned by Behdad Eghbali and José E Feliciano, and Todd Boehly took the reins at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have made a conscious effort to sign lots of exciting young players.

Although the Blues have managed to tie down the likes of Estevao Willian to long-term contracts, they've missed out on numerous opportunities to acquire ready-made talent. By religiously following such a model, Chelsea have starved those they've signed and those in the academy of valuable learning experiences, which, ironically, would likely accelerate their development.

Speaking to reporters at Cobham earlier this month, Liam Rosenior suggested that higher-ups at Stamford Bridge could shift the focus of recruitment to more 'emotionally stable' profiles. In fact, football.london understand Chelsea will look to sign Premier League-proven players in the upcoming transfer window.

The west Londoners are expected to splash the cash again, with a centre-back and a midfielder on the agenda. So, with that being said, journalists at football.london have debated what established players Chelsea should sign in the summer.

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Jake Stokes

If Chelsea are looking for a Premier League-proven centre-back, they should look no further than Ibrahima Konate. Not only will the 26-year-old defender become a free agent at the end of the season, assuming he doesn't sign a new contract with Liverpool, he'd also significantly bolster the Blues at right centre-half.

He'd be a great partner for Levi Colwill in the backline. Cristian Romero could also be an option if Tottenham Hotspur get relegated, but he's been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid on numerous occasions in the past.

If Newcastle United fail to qualify for either of UEFA's club competitions, Chelsea also should go for Bruno Guimarães. The 28-year-old midfielder would quickly become a leader in the dressing room, helping those who need steering in the right direction.

Bobby Vincent

Chelsea are prioritising a central defender in the summer transfer window and when you look at the options from elsewhere in the Premier League, one name sticks out to be more than most. Ibrahima Konate.

There is well-known uncertainty over his future at Liverpool. Even though the France international has not had the best season at Anfield, he is a phenomenal defender on his day. It's worth adding he has had to contend with plenty of off-field issues this season as well.

If the Blues can persuade Konate to sign next season, then he could be their starting centre-back for years to come and perhaps the perfect fit alongside Levi Colwill. Marcos Senesi is also an option but I would personally like Chelsea to aim a bit higher.

Adam Wharton, for me, would suit this Chelsea side down to the ground. It won't be easy to land the Crystal Palace midfielder, with several other top clubs interested in his signature, but the Blues should be doing everything in their power to sign him.

Another player I think Chelsea should be all over is Iliman Ndiaye. This one seems perhaps a tad more unrealistic than the others but the Everton attacker is a really special talent. It is no secret the Blues need to bolster their options on the wing, and perhaps move one or two on, and Ndiaye would be the perfect fit.

The Senegal international has proven he can do it in the Premier League for Everton and it feels like at one point he will just explode into one of the best players in the division.

Aaron Morris

First thing’s first, Chelsea should undoubtedly be looking for a new goalkeeper when the summer transfer window reopens. Robert Sanchez has been on the end of some high-profile mistakes once more in 2025/26, shipping 34 goals from 29 appearances thus far.

I feel as though the Blues need a safe pair of hands in net should they have any hopes of challenging for a Premier League title next term, and they shouldn’t sleep on the possibility of potentially signing Emi Martinez.

At 33, Chelsea will be able to secure him far cheaper than the likes of Bart Vebruggen and James Trafford - who they have also been linked with - and the Argentine has proven that he could be a valuable asset to any Premier League side.

In terms of attack, Darwin Nunez could seamlessly slot into Liam Rosenior’s front line if the price is right. The Uruguayan is said to be unsettled with Al-Hilal as a result of losing his place to Karim Benzema and Chelsea are thought to be monitoring his situation closely.

With blistering pace, undeniable ball control and aerial prowess, the 26-year-old arguably still has his best years ahead of him. Also already Premier League proven, Nunez racked up 40 goals and 26 assists for Liverpool between 2022 and 2025 despite largely failing to fit the bill. Just imagine what the forward could do with full faith and regular gametime…