Fabrizio Romano gives early insight into Chelsea’s transfer plans for 2026

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Chelsea are only weeks removed from the summer transfer window, however Fabrizio Romano has already given an insight into what their plans are for their future signings.

The Blues spent big money over the summer to bring in players both before and after the Club World Cup, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap making their mark at that tournament.

Alejandro Garnacho, Jorrel Hato and Jamie Gittens are amongst those who also joined the club, although the manager wasn’t completely satisfied with the business done by the Blues.

Ahead of deadline day, it was reported that Enzo Maresca was not happy at Chelsea for not signing some of the players who fill positions he was asking for.

Chelsea’s early 2026 transfer plans

Despite it being more than three months before the transfer window opens again, there is already talk over the kind of player Chelsea will be looking to sign in January and beyond.

Fabrizio Romano has stated that the Blues are weighing up a move for a young centre-back, with them tracking many talents outside of the Premier League.

He said: “I’m told Chelsea are looking at several opportunities for example at centre back. If there’s a young player with some good quality then for Chelsea, ‘it’s always time’ for a good opportunity, currently tracking many talents especially from abroad.”

Some will point to the fact that Chelsea already have a number of young talents coming through at the back, with Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr continuing to impress on loan from the club.

Maresca desperate for a new centre-back

Maresca is reportedly adamant on signing a new centre-back, something he was not given following the long-term injury suffered by Levi Colwill before the campaign got underway.

However, the boss is surely looking for a more established option who can immediately come into his side, with him clearly not thrilled with his current options.

Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo have bulked the majority of the minutes at the back, however the return of Champions League football will likely see the need for rotation to come their way.

Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong and Wesley Fofana will all be waiting in the wings to try and prove they should be the option Maresca cannot name his side without.