"We did it — and we did it in our way" were Enzo Maresca's words to describe Chelsea qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League after finishing fourth. It had been a season of twists and turns at Stamford Bridge but the Blues will be back playing among Europe's elite for the first time since 2023.
The club's co-owner Todd Boehly was seen hugging Maresca after the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest. He will be delighted to be able to flex the West London giants' muscles, potentially against the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Boehly, Maresca and transfer chiefs now turn their attention to the summer transfer window, which opens between the 1st and 10th of June due to the FIFA Club World Cup. The Blues are competing in the expanded competition that has a lot of money up for grabs, with even just a group round win earning a team £1.5m.
It's vital Chelsea get their recruitment spot on this summer as the schedule of fixtures will intensify come next season. There are several areas of the team that need attending to and with the help of season ticket holder Jamie Workman we have come up with five players who should be on the agenda.
Five Signings Chelsea Must Make This Summer
Mike Maignan - Goalkeeper
Mike Maignan has been one of Europe's most outstanding shot-stoppers throughout his time at AC Milan. A well-rounded keeper who possesses impressive distribution and is capable of making world-class saves, he has been starring for the Rossoneri and France's national team.
Chelsea are reportedly set to make Maignan an "absolute priority" if they sense there's an opportunity to bring him to Stamford Bridge, per Si Phillips Talks Chelsea. The 29-year-old will have a year left on his contract next month and could cost a transfer fee around £34.4m, per TEAMtalk.
Robert Sanchez actually ended the season with the league's best save percentage, but there are still huge doubts over his future. The Spaniard has failed to impress since arriving from Brighton two years ago, and there are reportedly "indications" the Blues are tempted to part ways and "try and sign a new goalkeeper", per Jacob Steinberg.
Jamie Says: "Maignan is a world-class keeper, and no Europe for AC Milan next season should make a deal easier."
Marc Guehi - Defender
Chelsea have made several clumsy transfer decisions over the years and parting with Marc Guehi in the summer of 2021 was one of them. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but the problems that have ensued in defence since his departure have many scratching their heads over his £18m move to Crystal Palace.
The good news is that Guehi left on good terms and has previously suggested it "hurt" to leave Stamford Bridge. The bad news is that the Blues won't be the only ones interested in arguably England's Euro 2024 top performer this summer.
The 24-year-old is expected to leave Palace after winning the FA Cup with the Eagles. Reports claim the club are looking at re-signing their former centre-back who made two senior appearances in West London.
Palace are believed to be demanding £70m, but Chelsea may have a bargaining tool if they are to pursue the Englishman. They possess a 20% sell-on clause in his contract, which would bring in £14m if he were sold elsewhere, making the Eagles £56m, and perhaps they would rather do a deal at £60m.
Jamie Says: "Guehi knows the club and is a proven Premier League star."
Viktor Gyokeres - Striker
There hasn't been a better goalscorer in Europe this season than Viktor Gyokeres and the Swedish frontman is set to leave Sporting CP this summer. He is wanted by plenty of clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United but Chelsea are also in the mix, despite the move for Liam Delap.
The club haven't made an approach for Gyokeres since January 2024. He had 54 goals in 52 games across competitions in the 24/25 season and Correio da Manha (via The Sun) reports that Arsenal have made a £62m offer, which looks to be his price range.
Jamie Says: "Gyokeres is that goalscorer we need, Delap is still potential and isn’t that yet."
Rodrygo - Winger
Rodrygo is one of those market opportunities that just can't be missed out on, especially after sealing Champions League football. The Brazilian is rumoured to have grown frustrated with his role in the Real Madrid team following Kylian Mbappe's arrival.
The Blues are reportedly keen on the 24-year-old but he'll command a hefty fee. There's little chance the club will spend that amount of money again after breaking the British transfer record twice so it could take some negotiating to achieve a more reasonable deal.
A new winger signing could be on the cards with Jadon Sancho likely to be sent back to Manchester United after his loan expires. Mykhailo Mudryk is serving provisional suspension and the Ukrainian had failed to live up to expectations anyway.
Jamie Says: "Winner with Real Madrid, brings pace out wide which Sancho doesn’t have and Mudryk situation unclear."
Morgan Rogers - Attacking Midfield
Just imagine Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer linking up for a winner against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Their trademark "cold" celebrations would be a marketing dream but that's not the only enticing reason to bring the Aston Villa star to Stamford Bridge.
Rogers has been one of the Premier League's best playmakers this season, registering eight goals and 11 assists. There are no concerns over his adaptability as he's incredibly versatile, able to play on either wing as well as in attacking midfield.
Chelsea reportedly "sense an opportunity" to sign the England international this summer after beating Aston Villa to Champions League qualification, per GiveMeSport. He could cost a £90m fee but, alongside Palmer, he's one of English football's best attackers.
Jamie Says: "If we can get some of the other signings over the line, with Rogers, he could be a vital piece in making us title contenders again."