Chelsea’s Busy Summer Transfer Window Under Todd Boehly

Chelsea have wasted no time during the summer transfer window, with Todd Boehly and his team working diligently to strengthen the squad.

New Arrivals

The Blues have added several new players to their roster to provide Enzo Maresca with more options across the pitch. Key signings include Marc Guiu, Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. While Kellyman, Veiga, and Guiu are viewed as long-term prospects, their inclusion highlights Chelsea’s focus on both immediate impact and future potential.

Last Season’s Struggles

Chelsea’s 2023/24 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino was disappointing, as they missed out on a top-four finish in the Premier League and failed to secure any major trophies. This led to Pochettino’s dismissal and the appointment of Maresca, who recently won the Championship title with Leicester City. The club now aims for better success on the pitch under his leadership.

Need for a Forward

One area Chelsea still needs to improve is the forward department, as they underperformed their expected goals (xG) last season, scoring 76 goals from an xG of 80.18. This shortfall has led to interest in acquiring a new striker, making sense given their need to enhance their attacking prowess.

Interest in Julian Alvarez

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City’s centre-forward Julian Alvarez. According to GOAL, the Blues and Paris Saint-Germain are both keen on securing the Argentine international to bolster their forward lines. However, a fee of £70 million would be required to land Alvarez, and it remains to be seen if either club is willing to meet that price.

GOAL also cited a report from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, claiming that Alvarez has requested to leave City ahead of the 2024/25 season, having turned down a contract extension. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano added that City are set to discuss Alvarez’s future with his representatives, as the young striker seeks more playing time. While City are not eager to sell, Chelsea might have a chance if they can meet the financial demands.

Potential Partnership with Cole Palmer

If Chelsea can secure Alvarez, he could form a lethal partnership with Cole Palmer. Palmer, who joined from Pep Guardiola’s side last summer, had a sensational debut season at Stamford Bridge. His consistent attacking performances, whether as a winger or in a number ten role, saw him score 22 goals from an xG of 18.21 across 29 Premier League starts.

Palmer’s creativity was also exceptional, ranking in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.38) and in the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90 (5.57). Despite creating 17 big chances in 34 appearances, his teammates only converted 11 of them, highlighting the need for a more clinical striker.

Why Chelsea Should Sign Julian Alvarez

Alvarez’s goal-scoring record suggests he could be the reliable scorer Chelsea need. In his first Premier League season, he scored nine goals in 13 starts, followed by 11 goals in 31 starts last term. Overall, Alvarez has scored 36 goals and provided 18 assists in 103 games for City in all competitions, including eight goals in 17 Champions League outings.

Alvarez’s best performances have come when playing as a striker, as seen in the 2022/23 season when he scored 17 goals and provided five assists in 23 starts. His ability to score from an xG of 9.37 in the Premier League and Champions League combined underscores his potential as a reliable finisher.

Additionally, Alvarez’s quality as a creator and passer means he could provide Palmer with opportunities to add to his goal tally while also being a lethal partner in Chelsea’s attack. Signing Alvarez could therefore significantly enhance Chelsea’s forward line, helping them convert more chances and improve their overall attacking output.