£160m trio sign, Estevao starts

This summer is a huge one for Chelsea if they are to take another step towards returning to Premier League glory under the guidance of Enzo Maresca next season.

The Italian has done an admirable job in charge of the Blues to date, with qualification for the Champions League a real possibility alongside a potential Europa Conference League triumph.

However, injuries to key players at various stages of the season have hampered their chances of taking one step further to challenge runaway leaders Liverpool.

If they are to get themselves in a position to compete in 2025/25, it’s vital that Todd Boehly once again gets his chequebook out to provide the manager with the funds to reach the next level.

With the window already on the horizon, numerous names have already been touted with a move to Stamford Bridge, but it remains how much the hierarchy will look to spend given the previous injection of cash.

Dario Essugo is set to move to West London in the summer, with Sporting CP teammate Geovany Quenda linking up in 2026, with the club wasting no time in improving the side.

However, here is our dream XI we think Maresca could go with to try and end the Blues’ near-decade-long wait for an English league title…

GK – Filip Jorgensen

The goalkeeping situation has been a real issue at the Bridge over the last couple of seasons, with reinforcements potentially needed to improve the situation.

However, the Dane is just 22 years old, and needing time to settle in England, with the manager having to hand him a more consistent starting role to reap the rewards.

RB – Reece James

There’s no denying the quality Reece James possesses, with his effort against Latvia on the international stage earlier this week.

It’s his fitness record that has often prevented him from being one of the best right-backs in the world, with real hope he can have an injury-free campaign in 2025/26.

CB – Levi Colwill

The academy graduate has received his fair share of criticism throughout the first year of the Maresca tenure, but many will forget he’s still just 22.

Left-footed centre-backs are worth their weight in gold, but patience may be needed to allow the youngster to reach his full potential in the years ahead.

CB – Dean Huijsen

The first of the potential summer arrivals comes in the form of Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who’s been on the radar of the Blues, but also the likes of Real Madrid in recent weeks.

At just 19, he has a huge future at the top level, catching the eye by winning 71% of his tackles and winning 2.6 aerials per 90 in the Premier League this year.

His £50m release clause could be an absolute bargain should he continue on his current trajectory, potentially operating at the heart of the defence for years to come.

LB – Marc Cucurella

The Spaniard has enjoyed a superb campaign in 2024/25, building on the Euro 2024 success he endured with Spain just under 12 months ago.

Whilst many had their doubts about the 26-year-old’s ability early on, he’s proved the doubters wrong as of late, nailing down the left-back position.

CM – Moises Caicedo

Club-record signing Moises Caicedo has been instrumental at the heart of the first-team this season, starting each of the 29 outings to date.

He’s even managed to wear the armband on occasions in recent months, showcasing the trust shown in him by Maresca to take the team to the next level.

CM – Enzo Fernández

The Argentine has endured a phenomenal run of form this calendar year, striking up an exciting partnership with Caicedo in the middle of the park.

He’s notched three combined goals and assists in his last six outings, undoubtedly a key part of the side if they are to mount a serious title charge in the near future.

RW – Estevao Willian

There’s no denying supporters are excited by the prospect of teenager Estevao Willian moving to the club this summer after agreeing a £28m deal for his services.

The Brazilian will move to England this summer, needing time to adapt, but there’s no doubt he can play a big role in 2025/26 given his tally of 20 goals and 10 assists for Palmeiras since his debut.

CAM – Cole Palmer

Despite being the club’s leading talisman over the last two seasons, the England international has been extremely quiet in recent months, unable to register a single goal or assist in his last nine games.

However, he still remains a huge part of the Blues’ squad, hopefully recapturing his form before the season gets underway in August – handing them the best chance of reaching the next level.

LW – Nico Williams

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is another player to already be touted with a move to the Bridge this summer, with the 22-year-old a firm target for Maresca.

He’s managed to post a total of four goals and five assists in LaLiga to date, likely to be available for a fee in the region of £50m, but Arsenal could also be in the race given their previous interest.

He would fit perfectly into the club’s philosophy of investing in young talent, having the ability to nail down the left-wing role for years to come should he move.

ST – Matheus Cunha

The third and final new addition to complete the starting eleven could be Wolves striker Matheus Cunha, who has also been of interest in the last few days.

The Brazilian, who has a £60m release clause, has registered 13 goals and four assists in the league this campaign, potentially being the man to lead the line – filling the void and finally ending their search for a new talisman.

Chelsea XI 2025/26: Jorgensen; James, Colwill, Huijsen, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez, Estevao, Palmer, Williams; Cunha.

Related

Chelsea sold “sensational” ace for £5m, now he’s a bigger star than James

Chelsea may regret offloading a player who’s managed to take his career to the next level after leaving.