A Hectic Summer At Stamford Bridge: The European stars that are reportedly topping Chelsea’s summer wishlist

With many left shocked last month as it was announced that Mauricio Pochettino would be leaving Chelsea after only a year in charge, the Blues are set to get a new era underway.

With it confirmed on June 3rd that now-former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League giants, Chelsea face what is a crucial summer ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

While the Blues might have seen Michael Olise pass on the chance to secure a move to west London and looking like he will instead be heading to German giants Bayern Munich, Barcelona youngster Marc Guiu looks set to sign a long-term contract over the coming days.

Although there might have been suggestions that Chelsea could be working within some stick financial restrictions, they look set to be active during this summer’s transfer window.

Ahead of what looks set to be a hectic summer behind the scenes in SW6, we have taken a look at some of the European stars that appear to be topping Chelsea’s wishlist.

Alexander Isak – Newcastle

While Nicolas Jackson might have notched 14 Premier League goals in his maiden campaign among England’s elite last season, it is no secret that Chelsea have a new number nine at the very top of their summer wishlist.

With it now looking like Napoli ace Victor Osimhen will not be completing a move to Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks, it was suggested on Wednesday that the hierarchy in SW6 have their sights set on another striking superstar.

While there might be continued speculation over Bruno Guimaraes could be heading for the St. James’ Park exit this summer, the Brazilian midfielder is not the only Newcastle icon that has been linked with a blockbuster move away from the north east.

With it suggested over the past few months that the Magpies are dealing with some potential FFP restrictions this summer, The Daily Mail are reporting that Chelsea have identified the red-hot Alexander Isak as their standout striking target ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Quickly cementing his spot as one of the Premier League’s ultimate marksmen since arriving at St. James’ Park in the summer of 2022 and recording 21 top-flight strikes last season, it has been reported that Chelsea have already made initial inquires around a potential move this summer.

Samu Omorodion – Atletico Madrid

Although it might appear that Isak is Chelsea’s number one striking target this summer, it has been suggested that the west London outfit have their eyes set on a number of potential targets.

The Athletic reported last week that Maresca’s new squad had a £27.4m-plus-add-ons offer rejected for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion.

Only arriving in the Spanish capital last summer after Atletico activated the 20-year-olds €6million release clause, Omorodion enjoyed a breakout campaign while on loan at Alaves last season. The Spanish U21 international recorded nine La Liga goals for the Babazorros during the 2023/24 campaign as Alaves secured what was a shock top-half finish.

Although there might have been plenty of speculation over the past week that London rivals West Ham have also seen a bid knocked back by Atletico, Chelsea remain keen on Omorodion and are planning on returning to the negotiating table.

While Diego Simeone’s men might have made it clear that they have no interest in parting ways with their young starlet this summer, Omorodion is reportedly keen on securing a move away from the Spanish capital.

Johan Bakayoko – PSV

Watching Dutch giants PSV make real history last season as they got their hands on a first Eredivisie crown since 2018, the Lightbulbs received a string of plaudits from across the continent.

Gaining a reputation for their free-flowing approach under the guidance of ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss Peter Bosz, a huge part of PSV’s success has been thanks to some of their homegrown starlets.

Away with Belgium featuring at this summer’s European Championships, 21-year-old Johan Bakayoko finds his stock at a real high after producing 21 direct goal contributions in his 33 Eredivisie appearances last season.

Widely regarded as one of Europe’s hottest young prospects and with it suggested that PSV would be open to parting ways with their academy graduate should they receive a suitable offer, there have been reports over the past week that Chelsea are monitoring Bakayoko’s situation closely.

However, while Chelsea might be in the race to snap up the Belgian internationals signature this summer, the Blues could face some stern competition as it appears that fellow Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal are also keen on the PSV talisman.