Chelsea's summer transfer window 'priority' for Enzo Maresca revealed as club look to sell numerous stars

The Blues were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, and Enzo Maresca's side struggled in the final third without talisman Cole Palmer.

There have been question marks about whether the team can continue to rely on Palmer's brilliance, and it is concerning that defender Marc Cucurella is the team's joint fourth highest scorer in the league (4).

The team are currently in fourth place with 49 points after 29 matchweeks in the Premier League and have lost three of their last five games in the division, but it is difficult to see their form improving given forwards like Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke are also injured.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea's next priority after signing Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo will be the acquisition of a striker, and he adds that the club are looking to sell up to eight players in the summer.

Who should Chelsea sign?

Newcastle United's Alexander Isak scored in the final of the EFL Cup against Liverpool and has arguably been the best striker in the Premier League this season.

His tally of 19 goals in the top flight is only bettered by Erling Haaland (21) and Mohamed Salah (27), and he would undoubtedly be a consistent threat in the final third for the Blues.

However, his reported price tag of more than £100m could prove to be prohibitively expensive, while his tendency to receive the ball between opposition defenders could see him take up Palmer's preferred spaces on the pitch.

Perhaps Chelsea should look to sign someone like Victor Osimhen, who prefers to provide a constant threat in behind opposition defences, and his physicality could give Palmer a genuine target to play towards.

Additionally, given the striker's relationship with parent club Napoli appears to be beyond repair, the Londoners may have the chance to agree an opportunistic deal in the summer.

Who could leave?

Chelsea have sent out players such as Kepa Arrizabalaga and Axel Disasi out on loan this season to Bournemouth and Aston Villa respectively, with permanent departures in the summer touted.

Trevoh Chalobah was also sent out on loan to Crystal Palace and though the defender was recalled due to an injury crisis at the back, his future could be one to watch.

Elsewhere, reports have emerged in recent weeks that Jadon Sancho, who is on loan at Chelsea from Manchester United, may not be staying at Stamford Bridge given Chelsea have an option to back out of their obligation to buy.

The Blues under Todd Boehly have often been heavily active in the transfer market, and there is no reason for fans to expect a quiet summer window.

Written by

Lewis Nolan