Managing Chelsea: Alexander Isak signs and Dean Huijsen transfer agreed as Jadon Sancho leaves

Enzo Maresca will be eager to further bolster his Chelsea squad in the summer transfer window. The Blues enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, climbing to second in the Premier League table – at one stage, they were even considered to be potential title contenders.

Unfortunately for Maresca, though, Chelsea had a bit of a wobble over the festive period, falling well behind Liverpool and Arsenal. Despite injuries to some big names and a dry January, the West Londoners managed to hold onto a place in the top four.

But, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Brighton aren't far behind in the race for Champions League qualification, so there's still plenty of room for improvement. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what business Chelsea need to conduct if they want to win the English top flight.

Another mass exodus at Stamford Bridge

First and foremost, Chelsea need to trim down the first-team squad. As it stands, far too many players are either surplus to requirement or need to be sent out on loan – and they must be moved on as soon as possible.

Starting with those currently at Cobham training ground, the Blues need to offload Robert Sanchez. Chelsea will struggle to recuperate anything close to the £25m they paid Brighton for the goalkeeper a couple of years ago.

He's cost the West Londoners far too many points since swapping the Amex Stadium for Stamford Bridge. Djordje Petrovic, who's set to return from Strasbourg this summer, would replace Sanchez between the sticks, having made great progress while out on loan in the French top flight.

Benoit Badiashile should be sold, with Aaron Anselmino sent out on loan. While Josh Acheampong would benefit from going on loan too and getting regular first-team football, he should continue working under Maresca. His time will come.

As for those in the middle of the park, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should be sold, while Omari Kellyman and Mathis Amougou should be sent out on loan. Moving up the pitch, Chelsea should cash in on Christopher Nkunku before his market value plummets any further.

The Blues must also pull the plug on the deal to sign Jadon Sancho permanently. The Manchester United loanee enjoyed a great start to the season, proving an assist in each of his first three games, but he's recently struggled to impress.

I wouldn't be opposed to a loan for Marc Guiu, but he's more than earned a place in the first-team setup next term. A live wire striker. There are also lots of players that are currently out on loan that Chelsea need to sell: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja and Raheem Sterling.

And those who need another loan: Alfie Gilchrist, Caleb Wiley, Lesley Ugochukwu, Carney Chukwuemeka and Deivid Washington.

Chelsea break the bank for new-look XI

Alexander Isak should be the first name on Chelsea's shortlist this summer. The 25-year-old striker has been heavily linked with an exit from Newcastle United for some time now – and the Blues should do whatever it takes to secure his signature.

Isak, who sees his contract at St. James' Park expire in June 2028, has featured 25 times in the Premier League this season, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists. Playing a key role in Eddie Howe's side, he's fired the Magpies into the top six.

The Sweden international also led Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory, finding the net against Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium. His eye-catching displays haven't gone under the radar, with numerous top European clubs said to be interested in wrapping up a deal.

Chelsea also need to sign a top defender. Like Jurgen Klopp a few years ago, Maresca needs his 'Virgil van Dijk moment'. Someone who just instantly transforms the backline. Unfortunately, there's nobody anywhere near that level on the market.

So, the Blues should go for Dean Huijsen. The 19-year-old defender has enjoyed an excellent debut season in the Premier League for Bournemouth. Huijsen may not bring a wealth of experience to the table, but he'd significantly improve Maresca's backline.

Chelsea only really need to sign two players this summer, with four youngsters ready to join the first-team squad: Andrey Santos, who's set to return from loan at Strasbourg, Estevao Willian, arriving from Palmeiras, Kendry Paez, arriving from Independiente del Valle, and Dário Essugo, who was recently signed from Sporting CP.

So...

Here's my realistic 25-man Chelsea squad for next season, excluding those in the Development Squad and Under-18s: Djordje Petrovic, Filip Jørgensen, Marcus Bettinelli; Marc Cucurella; Levi Colwill, Dean Huijsen (transfer from Bournemouth), Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah; Malo Gusto, Reece James; Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Dário Essugo (signed from Sporting CP); Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian (signed from Palmeiras), Noni Madueke, Kendry Paez (signed from Independiente del Valle); Alexander Isak (transfer from Newcastle United), Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu.

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