Dream Chelsea transfer window as £50m sale kickstarts mass exodus and four additions made

It’s already been quite the summer for Chelsea as they look to equip Enzo Maresca with a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.

Despite their ongoing focus on the FIFA Club World Cup campaign, which is set to conclude this weekend with the final against Paris Saint-Germain, the Blues have been among the most active Premier League clubs in the transfer market. They kicked off the window with the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, followed by confirmed deals for Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr.

While out in the United States, Chelsea also secured the signings of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Brighton’s Joao Pedro. Estevao Willian officially joins the club this summer too, having agreed a move last year, taking Chelsea’s total spending to over £200m.

Now, the focus appears to have shifted to outgoings, as the club looks to trim the squad and raise additional funds. Kepa Arrizabalaga has already joined Arsenal for a nominal fee, and winger Noni Madueke is expected to follow, with a £50m deal agreed between the two London clubs.

Before Chelsea can turn their attention back to further incomings, more outgoings are likely required. A strong summer would arguably involve permanent departures for Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell and Joao Felix.

Further exits from the forward line could also open the door for new reinforcements, with Christopher Nkunku facing an uncertain future and - albeit to a lesser extent - Nicolas Jackson. Hugo Ekitike has been strongly linked with a move this summer, while Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has also been tentatively mentioned amid continued speculation over his future in Spain.

However, it is further back where Chelsea arguably need to focus their attention for the remainder of the window, having already strengthened significantly in attacking areas. Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is reportedly attracting interest from Bournemouth, having spent last season out on loan, and Chelsea’s failed pursuit of Mike Maignan suggests they still see room to upgrade on Robert Sanchez.

After missing out on Dean Huijsen earlier in the window, as he opted to join Real Madrid, Chelsea should still look to bolster their options at centre-back. The ongoing injury issues with Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana left the Blues short at the back last season, eventually prompting the January recall of Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.

Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato continues to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and is highly rated in the Netherlands. His ability to operate both as a left-back and a left-sided centre-back would make him a valuable option for Maresca, even at just 19 years of age.

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