Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, has begun the task of trimming down the club’s oversized squad. Currently, the Londoners have around 40 players in the first team, which is far too many for effective management and optimal performance.
In an addition to the squad, Chelsea has signed US-born left-back Caleb Wiley from Atlanta United for £8.5 million. Wiley, who has a contract until June 2030 with an option for an additional season, is expected to join Strasbourg on loan after the Olympic Games in Pars. This follows a similar strategy used by Chelsea with Andrey Santos.
🚨🔵 EXCL: Chelsea make initial approach for Villarreal’s Filip Jørgensen as potential new goalkeeper.
Talks started on player side with Swedish GK keen on move, early stages; he’s one of 4 names under consideration.
Mads Hermansen also appreciated, no talks for Mamardashvili. pic.twitter.com/pNSsrTF25S
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2024
Malang Sarr has left Chelsea, terminating his contract to join RC Lens as a free agent. This move marks the beginning of Maresca’s efforts to streamline the team. Alfie Gilchrist is another player expected to leave, but on loan. He has received proposals from Preston and Sheffield United. Gilchrist will not be traveling with the squad for the US pre-season tour as he decides on his preferred destination. Trevoh Chalobah has also been instructed to stay home and not participate in the pre-season tour. The club feels the squad is heavy in his position, with Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, and Tosin Adarabioyo already filling the role of a central defender.
On another note, Chelsea has initiated talks with Villarreal’s Filip Jørgensen as a potential new goalkeeper. Discussions are in the early stages, with Jørgensen being one of four candidates under consideration. Djordje Petrović, one of the goalkeepers in Maresca’s disposal, is currently sidelined with a minor injury but he is expected to join the squad in the US later this week once he recovers.