Chelsea are entering the final stretch of the summer transfer window with several key objectives still to address under manager Xabi Alonso. The Blues have already made significant moves, including the club-record £117m signing of Morgan Rogers and the £43m acquisition of Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra, but further additions are needed to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts.
Priority: Finalise Maxence Lacroix
The immediate priority is completing the £52m acquisition of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix. Reports suggest an agreement has been reached, with Lacroix having undergone his medical earlier this week. The French World Cup international has established himself as one of the Premier League's most dependable defenders since joining from Wolfsburg in 2024.
His arrival would provide Alonso with an anchor for a back three alongside Levi Colwill, while also offering flexibility to operate in a four-man defence.
Secure Experienced Veterans: Welbeck and Henderson
Adding Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, both expected to join Chelsea, would inject maturity into a squad built around emerging talent. Welbeck offers a dependable attacking option with Premier League experience, while Henderson brings professionalism and leadership to guide younger midfielders. Both are expected on short-term contracts, representing a small financial commitment compared to Chelsea's usual spending.
Sign a Left Wing-Back
Following Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid, finding a starting-quality left wing-back remains essential. Rayo Vallecano's Pep Chavarria has emerged as the leading candidate, but Vallecano insists on activating his £42.4m release clause. Chelsea are considering alternatives if talks stall. Completing this deal would allow Alonso to fully implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.
£70m Alex Scott Deal
Chelsea have reportedly tested Bournemouth's resolve with an initial £64m offer for Alex Scott, but increasing to £70m could secure the midfielder. With Andrey Santos gone and Romeo Lavia battling injuries, midfield depth is a concern. Scott's ball progression and energy would provide Alonso with another valuable weapon alongside Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers.
Sign Wonderkid Winger
Chelsea are pursuing Bayer Leverkusen teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, whom Alonso knows from his time in Germany. The Bosnian winger is available for around £30m. With Alejandro Garnacho on loan at Aston Villa, signing Alajbegovic would ensure competition and explosiveness out wide.
Keep Enzo Fernandez
Retaining Enzo Fernandez is arguably the most important task. The midfielder has indicated a desire to move elsewhere, but Chelsea remain in a strong position with his contract until 2032 and a £120m valuation likely scaring off suitors. Real Madrid's pursuit has reportedly eased. Alonso must restore Fernandez's faith in the club's direction.
Shift Deadwood
New arrivals must be matched by departures. Chelsea have already sold Cucurella, Andrey Santos, and Tyrique George for substantial fees, and sent Garnacho on loan. Further exits are needed among attackers: Welbeck, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, and Emmanuel Emegha are competing for limited opportunities. Emegha is likely to leave on loan, while either Delap or Jackson could be sold. In defence, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Axel Disasi face uncertain futures; removing at least two would lower the wage bill and raise funds.
