There are a few positions that Chelsea may look to address in 2026 in their bid to become genuine title challengers again.
Emanuel Emegha will join Chelsea ahead of the 2026/27 season, but it would not be a shock if the club brought in another striker.
The position that Chelsea MUST strengthen in 2026 is _ _ _ _ _ _
Joao Pedro has been inconsistent in front of goal and has also been used as a No.10 at times, while Liam Delap has picked up a couple of bad injuries.
Chelsea may also move for another centre-back, but they already had a great opportunity to sign a very capable one in 2025.
Chelsea could have signed Marc Guehi for just £35m
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is one of the best central defenders in the Premier League and was available.
In fact, according to BBC Sport and other outlets, Liverpool even managed to agree a £35m fee with Palace for his signature.
A deal eventually collapsed, but at least the Reds tried to improve their defence by making a move for the 25-year-old.
Chelsea need to make room before they can sign another centre-back. Who are you getting rid of?
Levi Colwill is definitely untouchable ❌
Chelsea’s list of first-team centre-backs
- Levi Colwill
- Wesley Fofana
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Benoit Badiashile
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Josh Acheampong
Chelsea were constantly linked with Guehi but never made an official proposal for their former academy player in the end.
Laurence Stewart, Paul Winstanley and everyone else involved in transfers at Chelsea should be disappointed with themselves for not getting a deal done.
Chelsea won’t sign a better centre-back in 2026
The Guehi ship now looks to have sailed, but the Blues could still sign another centre-back.
Nottingham Forest’s Murillo could be on the move, and it is thought that he is one name that Chelsea are keeping an eye on.
Whoever Chelsea sign, if anyone at all, is unlikely to be a better centre-half than Guehi, who brings so much to the table.
Guehi has experience, leadership qualities and can smell danger. As per WhoScored, the England international is making 5.2 clearances per game, so he ranks third among his teammates there.
Chelsea are going to regret not signing Guehi, especially if he ends up at Liverpool or another one of their rivals.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
