Chelsea's Transfer Hunt: Which Star Should Blues Prioritize Among Garnacho, Gittens, Pedro and Kudus?
Chelsea's transfer activity in the 21st century has been nothing short of aggressive, with Clearlake's expenditure making Roman Abramovich's previous investments look modest since their takeover.
The Blues have shown unwavering determination in their pursuit of top talent ever since Todd Boehly and his consortium established themselves in west London, though the benefits of their investment haven't fully materialized despite the gradual improvement witnessed during Enzo Maresca's inaugural campaign.
The groundwork has been established, and Chelsea are desperate to reclaim their position among football's elite after losing their direction during a chaotic period following Abramovich's departure. Securing a top-four position brings Champions League qualification within reach, but their current roster, despite its considerable depth, lacks the capability to compete effectively across multiple competitions throughout 2025–26.
Several crucial requirements emerge this summer, with enhanced quality in attacking wide positions being a primary objective based on the club's rumored transfer targets. Numerous connections have surfaced, and here's our assessment of four players Chelsea are allegedly pursuing, ranked by their ability and suitability for Stamford Bridge.
4. João Pedro
João Pedro is certainly a talented player who possesses qualities suggesting he could flourish at an elite club. Nevertheless, is he someone Chelsea genuinely require, particularly if they're focusing on acquiring a winger?
Although Nicolas Jackson hasn't done himself any favors with consecutive red cards, the strategy appears to involve him competing for the starting striker position alongside new acquisition Liam Delap. Supporting them, Maresca has Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku available to operate in the No. 10 role, while Enzo Fernández has developed into an effective box-to-box midfielder.
Nkunku might leave, but a player with Pedro's characteristics isn't what Chelsea desperately need. He can move to the left wing, but the Brazilian's Premier League achievements have primarily come when playing through the middle. Pedro represents that hybrid type who remains uncertain whether he's a striker or attacking midfielder.
Chelsea have recruited similar players recently in Nkunku and João Felix, and neither worked out particularly well. If Nkunku specifically has struggled to impress under Maresca, then Pedro could face comparable difficulties.
3. Alejandro Garnacho
Chelsea's wing situation remains somewhat unclear. Maresca holds Pedro Neto in high regard, and we can expect the Portuguese player to start on the flanks when the new Premier League season begins.
Nevertheless, the club chose not to re-sign Jadon Sancho and certain reports indicate that Noni Madueke—possibly the club's standout winger last season—might be departing. Even if the England player stays, Chelsea need a Sancho replacement and are targeting right-footed wingers who operate from the left side.
Alejandro Garnacho was considered as an option in January, and weak connections have emerged at the summer's start. However, the Argentine will exit Manchester United after Ruben Amorim informed him at season's end to seek a new club.
Some Blues fans might dismiss the notion of signing Garnacho, who experienced a difficult 2024–25 season, but Chelsea could gain from acquiring a young, ambitious and dangerous wide player eager to prove doubters wrong at Manchester.
The 20-year-old requires significant development, and controlling his ego might be the initial step toward greatness. He can be extremely frustrating with his final-third choices and execution of crucial moments, but his pace and running ability are undeniable. Garnacho is a persistent threat who lacks polish.
At a reduced fee, he's certainly worth considering, but superior alternatives exist for Chelsea.
2. Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens has attracted considerable attention following an impressive breakthrough campaign in the Bundesliga, appearing to be another English talent whose abilities have been skillfully developed by Borussia Dortmund.
The 20-year-old already seems prepared to move elsewhere after one season of elite performance, though some critics argue the winger isn't ready for a major transfer.
Gittens achieved 11 goal contributions in the Bundesliga last season but declined significantly during the campaign's latter half. He didn't particularly benefit from Niko Kovač's appointment, but the new coach's influence affected Dortmund collectively.
The winger requires development, undoubtedly. He's lacked consistency early in his career and hasn't demonstrated the necessary intelligence when defending. Gittens is otherwise perfect for what Maresca apparently wants from his left-winger. He'll stay wide and attempt to beat defenders individually.
Gittens can smoothly accelerate and excels at maintaining possession under pressure. He ranked in the 99th percentile among all attacking midfielders/wingers for successful dribbles per 90 minutes last season (3.57), according to FBRef. However, this is a demanding supporter base and they'll expect far more than impressive dribbling statistics if the Blues are spending significant money to acquire him.
Gittens isn't yet a dependable creator from crossing positions, and remains somewhat erratic as a finisher despite his strong shooting technique. His game has weaknesses, certainly, but the fundamentals are established.
1. Mohammed Kudus
2024–25 proved quite disappointing for Mohammed Kudus, who performed for an uninspiring West Ham side that failed to progress despite changing managers mid-season.
Both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter couldn't extract the maximum from the Ghanaian talent, who had an excellent beginning to his Hammers journey under David Moyes. Perhaps Kudus's versatility works against him. He's been deployed on both wings, as a No. 10 and alongside Jarrod Bowen in a front two in east London.
Kudus may lack a 'preferred position', but it's clear he's among the league's finest dribblers who can transform matches when he gets the ball. His talent for carrying possession means you want him receiving it centrally whenever possible, and he could potentially function alongside Cole Palmer as twin No. 10s at Stamford Bridge.
His ability to play across the front line, or possibly in midfield, must fascinate Maresca, and he's undoubtedly the most talented among the four rumored Chelsea targets discussed. His second West Ham season was disappointing, but his first was outstanding and Kudus clearly believes he should be competing at the highest level in European competition.