Chelsea shift strategy to target 'ready-made' players this summer
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali has confirmed the club will target experienced, "ready-made" players in the upcoming summer transfer window, signalling a notable shift in their recruitment strategy. Speaking at an industry conference in Los Angeles, Eghbali stated the need to add proven talent to a young core that includes Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Levi Colwill in order to achieve consistency and challenge for the Premier League title.
This marks a departure from the club's recent model under BlueCo ownership, which has focused almost exclusively on signing younger talents, with no player over the age of 25 arriving for a transfer fee since the takeover. The admission follows a period of fan unrest and poor form, with Chelsea winning just one of their last seven league games and sitting well off the pace in the title race under head coach Liam Rosenior.
According to the source analysis, one primary target could be Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Chelsea passed on the Nigerian forward in both 2024 and 2025 due to his significant wage demands, but he is now seen as a potential solution to their attacking issues. With Joao Pedro's goal output declining recently and Liam Delap struggling, Osimhen's record of 56 goals in 70 games for the Turkish champions makes him a compelling option.
Another forward under consideration is Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, according to the report. The Argentina international, who previously played for Manchester City, would bring Premier League-proven quality. However, any move for Alvarez is described as extremely unlikely if Chelsea fail to secure qualification for the Champions League, a prospect that looks increasingly uncertain.
In midfield, Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali has been identified as a potential target. The Italian's future at St James' Park is uncertain after a difficult season, and Chelsea could enter the race amid ongoing speculation over the long-term future of Enzo Fernandez. Tonali would bring over 300 career appearances of experience to a relatively young Chelsea engine room.
The report also suggests Chelsea could make a controversial move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero to bolster their defence. The World Cup winner's potential availability could increase if Spurs, under Roberto De Zerbi, suffer a shock relegation. His experience could pair with Levi Colwill, though his temperament may not align with Rosenior's desire for "emotional stability."
Finally, Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is named as an option to solve Chelsea's problems on the left flank, where Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have struggled. Williams's quality is not in doubt, but the report notes a transfer would be expensive both in fee and salary, compounded by the player's recent injury concerns.
Eghbali's comments frame this strategic pivot as a natural next step, emphasizing the club's intention to build upon a settled core rather than undertake another major rebuild. The success of this new approach will likely define Chelsea's ability to close the gap on the Premier League's elite next season.
