Chelsea will hope for a major improvement after enduring a turbulent 2025/26 campaign.
The Blues finished 10th in the Premier League with 52 points after losing 14 league matches. Their managerial instability also contributed to a difficult season.
Enzo Maresca left in January before Liam Rosenior took charge. Calum McFarlane later replaced him on an interim basis.
Chelsea subsequently appointed Xabi Alonso on a four-year contract. The club have backed Alonso with another major squad overhaul this summer.
Morgan Rogers arrived from Aston Villa for a British record £117 million. Chelsea also strengthened their defence with Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra and Pep Chavarria.
Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck added experience to Alonso’s squad. Geovany Quenda also joined as another attacking option. Chelsea completed their preparations with a 3–1 victory over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro continued his impressive pre-season form, while Rogers also made an impact. However, one senior attacker missed that final friendly entirely.
According to The Sun, Atletico Madrid have set their sights on Nicolas Jackson as they consider strengthening their attack before the September 1 deadline.
The Spanish club could sign as many as two strikers. They want another forward alongside Julian Alvarez and also need cover for the injured Alexander Sorloth.
Jackson now faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. Alonso left the 25-year-old out of Chelsea’s squad against Real Sociedad.
The Senegal international spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich. His loan included a condition that required him to start 40 matches to trigger a permanent transfer.
Chelsea now want to sell Jackson rather than sanction another loan move. However, the club have yet to receive a sizeable offer. The striker has scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea.
His route back into Alonso’s attack also looks increasingly difficult. Joao Pedro currently leads Chelsea’s forward options after another productive pre-season.
Welbeck provides further competition following his summer arrival. Emmanuel Emegha has also joined the attacking group.
Atletico Madrid could now offer Jackson a route away from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea continue reshaping Alonso’s squad before the transfer window closes.
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