Enzo Maresca has unfinished business at Stamford Bridge. After a season that had everything — Champions League qualification, a Conference League trophy, and a Club World Cup final still to come — Chelsea's summer of 2025 isn’t about relaxation. It’s about evolution.
The Italian coach is now preparing for his second pre-season at the club, hoping to fine-tune his tactical ideas and build a squad ready to challenge on multiple fronts.
The 2024/25 campaign was a rollercoaster, but Maresca now has a better view from the front seat.
With key new signings already through the door and a few more possibly arriving soon, Chelsea fans have reasons to be optimistic — and maybe even dare to dream.
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Chelsea’s 2025/26 preseason schedule
Chelsea's 2025 pre-season looks a little different this year. Thanks to their qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup, the Blues have already started their prep work early, with high-stakes fixtures in June.
Their journey in that tournament has offered players valuable game time and a test of how Maresca’s ideas stand up to world-class opposition.
But there's more to come. Chelsea will host the 2025 VisitMalta Weekender at Stamford Bridge — a mouthwatering mini-tournament featuring European heavyweights Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
| Opponent | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bayer Leverkusen | August 8 | Stamford Bridge |
| AC Milan | August 10 | Stamford Bridge |
| Los Angeles (Club WC) | June | TBC (USA) |
| Flamengo (Club WC) | June | TBC (USA) |
| ES Tunis (Club WC) | June | TBC (USA) |
Chelsea’s 2025/26 transfer, latest rumours
Chelsea's transfer window has been as busy as a VAR room on a derby day. Several fresh faces have arrived, and the revolving door is spinning at full speed.
Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo has joined from Sporting CP for £18.5 million. He’ll bring energy and depth to the midfield.
Also arriving is Joao Pedro from Brighton in a £60 million move — Brazilian flair and Premier League experience in one package.
Meanwhile, Chelsea activated Liam Delap’s £30 million release clause and added Jamie Gittens from Dortmund for £55 million.
The club has also signed wonderkids Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez, though both are officially joining this month. These aren’t just investments — they’re future first-teamers.
On the outgoing front, Noni Madueke is heading across London to Arsenal in a £52 million deal. Chelsea fans might raise eyebrows, but Maresca seems happy to clear space for Estevao and Pedro Neto, who has impressed during the Club World Cup.
Jadon Sancho, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Marcus Bettinelli are also off, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is being chased by Bournemouth.
And speaking of keepers, Chelsea are eyeing a big one — literally. Talks are ongoing for a move for Mike Maignan from AC Milan, a deal that could turn their No.1 position into a fortress. However, the deal looks highly unlikely this summer.
Chelsea's 2025/26 squad
Chelsea’s squad has had more changes than a penalty taker’s run-up, but Maresca is finally putting his stamp on it. With new signings joining up and a few loanees heading back out, the group is starting to look sharp and balanced.
The Premier League campaign begins on Sunday, August 17, when Chelsea welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge.
| Position | Player | Squad No. |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Djordje Petrovic | – |
| Goalkeeper | Robert Sánchez | 1 |
| Goalkeeper | Filip Jørgensen | 12 |
| Goalkeeper | Mike Penders | 39 |
| Goalkeeper | Gaga Slonina | 44 |
| Defender | Ben Chilwell | – |
| Defender | Axel Disasi | – |
| Defender | Caleb Wiley | – |
| Defender | Alfie Gilchrist | – |
| Defender | Marc Cucurella | 3 |
| Defender | Tosin Adarabioyo | 4 |
| Defender | Benoît Badiashile | 5 |
| Defender | Levi Colwill | 6 |
| Defender | Mamadou Sarr | 19 |
| Defender | Trevoh Chalobah | 23 |
| Defender | Reece James | 24 |
| Defender | Malo Gusto | 27 |
| Defender | Wesley Fofana | 29 |
| Defender | Aaron Anselmino | 30 |
| Defender | Josh Acheampong | 34 |
| Midfielder | Mykhailo Mudryk | – |
| Midfielder | Lesley Ugochukwu | – |
| Midfielder | Mathis Amougou | – |
| Midfielder | Enzo Fernández | 8 |
| Midfielder | Cole Palmer | 10 |
| Midfielder | Dário Essugo | 14 |
| Midfielder | Andrey Santos | 17 |
| Midfielder | Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | 22 |
| Midfielder | Moisés Caicedo | 25 |
| Midfielder | Omari Kellyman | 37 |
| Midfielder | Romeo Lavia | 45 |
| Forward | Raheem Sterling | – |
| Forward | João Félix | – |
| Forward | Armando Broja | – |
| Forward | Jamie Gittens | – |
| Forward | Pedro Neto | 7 |
| Forward | Liam Delap | 9 |
| Forward | Noni Madueke | 11 |
| Forward | Nicolas Jackson | 15 |
| Forward | Christopher Nkunku | 18 |
| Forward | João Pedro | 20 |
| Forward | Tyrique George | 32 |
| Forward | Marc Guiu | 38 |
Chelsea news and related links
- Enzo Maresca provides update on injured Chelsea star who 'has to' play in Club World Cup final
- Former Premier League star makes 'stupid' Cole Palmer claim
- Enzo Maresca gives verdict on Chelsea star's future amid Arsenal links