The stunning Chelsea free agent double transfer that could turbocharge side for PL title push next season
Winning the Premier League title is the ultimate aim for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca
The Chelsea rise under Enzo Maresca has been rapid and the feeling around fans and many neutrals is that they could be on the cusp of something huge.
The Blues were minutes away from going top of the Premier League on Saturday before Fabio Carvalho snatched a last-gasp equaliser for Brentford in the west London derby. Eight points from four games is a strong start, nonetheless, and there is a long way to go in the season.
Chelsea won the Club World Cup over the summer while investing heavily in new talent such as Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Estevao. Maresca’s side are an attacking unit to be reckoned with - but one problem remains.
While attacking talent was brought in heavily once again, apparent frailties in defensive areas were not resolved. According to critics, that could be the reason any title tilt falters this season. But the Blues will have the chance to rectify that over the summer and then go again next campaign.
Free agent double signing could be a game-changer
Chelsea could raid the free agent market for exactly what they are looking for next summer, as per TBR Football, as an elite defender and goalkeeper pair could be available for free. While there will no doubt be competition, the Blues will be more than aware of the impact a stunning double swoop could have.
Former Chelsea academy graduate Marc Guehi is set to be out of contract at Crystal Palace next summer and the Stamford Bridge outfit know as well as anyone the qualities Guehi possesses. The 25-year-old has grown to become one of the best central defenders in Europe at Palace and remains club captain of the Eagles following a failed move to Liverpool on deadline day.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could also reignite interest in goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whom they attempted to sign over the summer before AC Milan ultimately held firm over an approach. The Blues may reportedly make a cut-price bid in January but will then be free to negotiate over a summer move for the France international if that fails.
Guehi and Maignan free transfers could complete the Chelsea jigsaw
TBR Football’s man-in-the-know Graeme Bailey said: “Chelsea know all about Guehi, but this summer they opted not to bring in a new central defender, even after Levi Colwill’s injury. However, the chance to add a homegrown star, currently one of the best in Europe – it is just not logical for them not to be involved.
“Chelsea know Guehi’s character, he is a fantastic person and everyone who meets him relays that fact – I was told by one high ranking Premier League executive that signing him is one of the ‘least risky’ transfers that anyone could do.”
Chelsea already have an array of attacking options and will no doubt add to them next summer. But if they can secure Guehi and Maignan, they could prove to be the most impactful signings of all. The Blues might be just a couple of pieces away from completing their title-challenging jigsaw and they have already identified two men who could be the perfect fit.