11
The 14 Premier League-proven stars Chelsea could target after finally shifting transfer strategy
“I think we need more emotional stability as a group of players, from me as the head coach, as a football club, so that we don’t respond in the way we have done to the setbacks we’ve had. Bringing players with emotional stability. Bringing good characters in who, in difficult moments, can understand what it takes to win in those difficult moments. In recruitment, for me, the first thing I look at is character, is emotional stability, is calm and that’s something we’ve spoken about.”
That was Liam Rosenior’s take as the head coach discussed Chelsea’s plans in the summer transfer market recently, pointing to a clear departure from the youth strategy that has yet to pay serious dividends other than a Conference League and Club World Cup triumph last season – achievements that have paled in significance amid another tumultuous campaign where the Blues have taken two steps backwards.
It has since been widely reported that the club’s decision-makers are indeed ready to take action and will look to target ’emotionally resilient’, ‘mature’ and ‘Premier League-proven’ players who can make an immediate impact as Chelsea look to close a growing gap to their rivals, with a new centre-back, midfielder and potentially a goalkeeper on the agenda. However, that still doesn’t necessarily mean they will pursue experienced, older stars.
With all of that in mind, GOAL takes a look at 14 names the west Londoners could target in the coming months as they finally switch up their approach to the transfer market…
Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
Chelsea certainly won’t be the only club keeping tabs on Julian Alvarez after he cast doubt over his future at Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal supposedly sniffing around too, but reports in his native Argentina suggest the Blues are putting in the groundwork for a Premier League return for the former Manchester City striker.
While he isn’t necessarily the most prolific goalscorer, Alvarez is the kind of elite attacking presence that would elevate Chelsea’s frontline immediately, and the prospect of him working in tandem with an in-form Cole Palmer is mouth-watering. A new forward might not be a priority at Stamford Bridge, perhaps a result of Joao Pedro’s strong debut campaign, but it would be remiss to pass up the opportunity to land someone of Alvarez’s calibre.
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
Man City are believed to be in the driving seat when it comes to the £100 million-plus ($135m+) pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s midfield dynamo Elliot Anderson, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since leaving Newcastle in 2024 and is now a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s England setup. However, Chelsea’s fresh approach to transfers and the possibility that they will need to replace Enzo Fernandez, who seems to be angling for a move away, could change things.
A deep-lying playmaker who is equally adept at biting into challenges as he is at spraying passes around, Anderson might not fit the profile of midfielder the Blues are looking for given they already have Moises Caicedo in their ranks. That said, he would perhaps be better suited to slotting in alongside the Ecuadorian in a double pivot than Fernandez is, freeing up Palmer to play as a roaming No.10.
Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)
This one might be a foregone conclusion, as Chelsea have reportedly already agreed to sign Valentin Barco from sister club Strasbourg this summer, seeing off competition from Bayern Munich. There was a sort of inevitability about Barco ending up at Stamford Bridge when the highly-rated left-back-cum-centre-midfielder left Brighton permanently for the BlueCo-owned Ligue 1 side last year, and sure enough, the Blues have supposedly deemed him ready to return to England.
The 21-year-old Argentina international has impressed in France, where he played under Rosenior, and his ability to invert into midfield will make him a highly attractive proposition, especially given there is a lack of depth behind Marc Cucurella in west London. His spell on the south coast might not have been successful but his potential has never been in doubt, and his dynamic displays since suggest Barco is ready to take the step back up.
Caiomhin Kelleher (Brentford)
It’s possible Chelsea will finally look to address the goalkeeper position amid continued questions over Robert Sanchez’s long-term suitability as their No.1. In the event that they do look to make a change, then it would be little surprise if Caoimhin Kelleher moved back onto their radar. The Blues have been linked with the 27-year-old in the past and should be able to convince him to swap one west London club for another.
It was obvious during his time as back-up to Alisson at Liverpool that the Irishman would be first choice at most other Premier League sides, and that has proven to be the case as he impresses with Brentford. The shot-stopper has eight clean sheets in the league for the high-flying Bees, with a 67 percent save percentage, and boasts experience of an elite-club environment.