Chelsea’s hectic summer transfer window shows no signs of slowing down as Enzo Maresca looks to lead his side back to the Champions League.
The Blues have already signed nine players worth over £160 million – and that total could rise to around £300 million.
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This does not even include the £56 million they paid to sign young Brazilian talent Estevao Willian, who will move to West London next year.
Chelsea have spent around £600m on signings in 2023, with the club’s recent activity totalling well over £1bn since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed the takeover in 2022.
And following the purchase of Pedro Neto for £51.4 million, two more high-profile acquisitions could be on the cards.
The Pitch Prospect has learned that Atletico Madrid’s £36 million transfer of striker Samu Omorodion has fallen through at the last minute.
This could now lead to them bringing Joao Felix back to Stamford Bridge permanently for around £43 million.
During his disappointing loan spell in the second half of the 2022/23 season, Felix scored four goals for Chelsea in 20 games in all competitions.
But his versatility to play anywhere in the front row – as well as in the number 10 position – makes him an attractive option for new head coach Maresca.
And it is believed that their pursuit of Felix will not affect their plans to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to lead their attacking line.
If Chelsea have their way, the team could start with a new three-man formation, while Maresca could come up with a bold starting eleven – without captain Reece James.
According to The Pitch Prospect.com, Chelsea could start in a radical 4-1-2-3 formation.
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Chelsea’s new signing in summer 2024
- Pedro Neto – £51.4m from Wolves
- Kieran Dewsbury-Hall – £30 million from Leicester
- Filip Jorgensen – £20.7m from Villarreal
- Omari Kellyman – £19 million from Aston Villa
- Aaron Anselmino – £15.6m from Boca Juniors
- Renato Veiga – £12 million from Basel
- Caleb Wiley – £8.5 million from Atlanta
- Marc Guehi – £5 million from Barcelona
- Tosin Adarabioyo – free transfer
After signing from Villarreal for £20.7 million, Filip Jorgensen is expected to start between the sticks.
Marc Cucurella – fresh from winning the 2024 European Championship with Spain – will continue to play at left-back after being one of the club’s most consistent performers this year.
A centre-back duo is likely to consist of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, who started together in Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Inter Milan on Sunday, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Captain James would normally play at right-back, but he is currently out with a thigh injury and is also suspended for the first three games of the season.
Malo Gusto has impressed during his absence, but Maresca could opt for another option in the form of central midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Caicedo was occasionally used as a full-back during his time at Brighton and showed a confident performance at right-back after his friendly against Inter.
Maresca raved about Caicedo’s qualities during the club’s American tour, saying: “I love Moi. I’ve known him for many years. I know how he plays.”
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Should the Ecuadorian find himself on the right side of defence, Maresca could use a single defensive midfielder instead of a double six.
Caicedo’s position change would see Enzo Fernandez play as number 6 ahead of Romeo Lavia, who is finally fit after an injury-plagued 2023/24 season.
Cole Palmer would then be moved from the right winger position to a penalty area striker position, while Christopher Nkunku would take on the role of the club’s number 10.
Neto would then play on the right flank, while Felix would be deployed on the left wing.
This would mean that Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke would have to settle for a place on the bench.
And Osimhen would then lead the new attacking line, with Nicolas Jackson replacing the Nigerian.