Chelsea’s brief flirtation with the 2024/25 Premier League title race raised hopes that the club was finally heading in the right direction.
The Blues’ Premier League odds were slashed after an excellent run of form during the first half of the season, but the wheels quickly fell off to scupper their hopes of success.
Despite this, Chelsea are still in contention to secure Champions League qualification for 2025/26, which would represent progress for the club.
The next step towards becoming Premier League title contenders will be to put the finishing touches to a squad which is still missing a few crucial pieces.
With that in mind, read on as we look at five things Chelsea must do this summer to ensure they mount a serious challenge next time around.
Buy a new goalkeeper
Manager Enzo Maresca defended goalkeeper Robert Sanchez after he made a series of high-profile errors, but he must now recognise that he needs to replace him this summer.
With Filip Jorgensen failing to prove he can be a consistent starter in the Premier League, the Blues need to identify a goalie who can backstop a title-contending team.
Lille’s Lucas Chevalier would be an upgrade on their current options, while the free agent market could also provide a useful short-term solution.
Explore the free agent ranks
Former Manchester United goalie David de Gea has proved his worth with Fiorentina this season and could be a useful addition to Chelsea’s squad.
His contract with the Serie A club expires this summer and they have an option for a further year. Despite this, Chelsea could test the waters for him.
Joshua Kimmich and Angel Gomes are among a plethora of other talented players Chelsea could sign on free transfers this summer.
Clear out their deadwood
Chelsea’s extravagant spending under their current owners has left them with an extremely bloated squad and there will need to be departures in the next transfer window.
Complying with Profit and Sustainability Rules may become an issue for the club unless they can raise significant funds through transfer dealings.
Sacrifices will need to be made to create a leaner squad and it would be no surprise to see a first-team regular leave if they are unable to shift their deadwood.
Provide competition for Jackson
Striker Nicolas Jackson has improved since signing for Chelsea, but the club needs to sign someone who can provide competition for him.
They have been linked with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, and they should pull out all the stops to secure his services at the end of the season.
The Tractor Boys are set to make an immediate return to the Championship so will need to sell some of their top stars to fund a promotion bid next season.
Steer clear of Bellingham
Jobe Bellingham has been linked with several Premier League clubs and he could be available if Sunderland fail to win promotion to the top flight.
Bellingham versatility allows him to play in several midfield roles, but the Blues’ squad is already packed with players who can do the same job.
There are better ways to spend their transfer budget than wasting it on a player who would spend the bulk of his time on the bench at Chelsea.
