It seems increasingly likely that Chelsea will start next season with a new head coach. Enzo Maresca is under pressure, with concerns about the amount of rotation, style of play and results. However, such speculation is unlikely to have much of an impact on spending in January, as the Blues are not recruiting with a specific tactician in mind.
The Telegraph claims that Chelsea’s board is running out of patience with Maresca and, while he is unlikely to be sacked this week, there are growing expectations that he will not be in charge for the 2026/27 season. Express Sport looked into Chelsea’s preferred signings this month.
Tom Parsons – Murillo
Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed by Bournemouth on Tuesday night as the Blues conceded two goals from long throw-ins.
Enzo Maresca needs a big, strong centre-back who can score headers inside the box and better protect Roberto Sanchez, who has dominated Chelsea’s net this season as well.
And while Nottingham Forest star Murillo would be the perfect fit for Maresca, Chelsea may have to pay through their nose to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Jack McEachen – Mike Maignan
Chelsea opted not to pay to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan a few months ago, but that decision has backfired.
Roberto Sanchez has failed to convince his critics and Chelsea still need a top-level goalkeeper, preferably one who has played in a Champions League team.
The Blues are free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with French stopper Meignan as his contract at San Siro expires this summer, but signing him now for a nominal fee would ease tensions considerably in west London.
Archie Griggs – Murillo
The west London side have been linked with a move for Murillo since the summer, and could have a golden opportunity in January.
The defender may be tempted to leave Nottingham Forest, given their precarious position near the relegation zone. But contracts don’t come cheap, and with Evangelos Marinakis in charge, Chelsea will make it as difficult as possible to sign players.
Charlie Mallam – Koby Mainou
Much of Chelsea’s attention is focused on the upcoming summer season, but one player the Blues could get a chance on is Koby Mainu. Both deals will be heavily dependent on Manchester United’s performance, but signing the midfielder could open the door for the Londoners.
England international Mainu is a player they highly respect and his contract expires in 2027. He is unlikely to sign a new contract at Old Trafford given how few minutes he has played under Ruben Amorim, and a mid-season move would be attractive given the possibility of a late push for England’s World Cup squad. However, the January deal is certain to cost between £40m and £50m.
