Dream Chelsea transfer window as Conor Gallagher stays under Enzo Maresca

As Chelsea prepare to confirm the appointment of Enzo Maresca, the club are scouring the transfer market for possible reinforcements before the start of next season.

The Blues, football.london understands, are confident they can strike a deal with Tosin Adarabioyo, who is expected to become a free agent at the end of the month. The 26-year-old is wanted by numerous Premier League clubs with his contract at Fulham coming to an end, but Chelsea look to be leading the race for his signature.

Elsewhere, though, Chelsea are looking to recruit in other positions, including the centre of midfield. And with that being said, football.london takes a look at what would be considered the dream window for the Blues and incoming head coach Enzo Maresca in the midfield department.

Gallagher stays

There is still so much uncertainty over Conor Gallagher and his future at Stamford Bridge. The 24-year-old midfielder has just over 12 months remaining on his contract at Chelsea, who are open to selling the England international this summer, football.london understands.

There are yet to be any talks between Gallagher and Chelsea over extending his stay at the club beyond June 2025 despite the midfielder being such an influential figure throughout the 2023/24 season. Tottenham and Aston Villa have reportedly shown an interest in Gallagher but there has been nothing concrete Chelsea’s way yet.

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Maresca, however, might not get too much say in what happens with the midfielder that captained Chelsea more than anyone else last season. Instead, it is up to the club’s ownership group and the two co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

Santos loan

Andrey Santos excelled in the second half of last term on loan at Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg. It could very much be in Chelsea’s and Santos’ best interests for the midfielder to go out on loan again in the 2024/25 campaign.

Strasbourg could be the ideal destination for Santos once again given the Blues’ close ties with the French club. However, it may be one that the club assess during their pre-season tour of the United States.

Just as he did last season, Santos will be looking to impress for Chelsea in the States. The Brazilian youngster certainly won’t be short of suitors to take him on loan by the time the new season comes around.

It is, though, unclear what will happen with Cesare Casadei next season. The Italian was recalled from his loan at Leicester City last season because of Chelsea needing more depth in midfield but he barely played any minutes when he returned.

Fernandez recovery

Enzo Fernandez missed the last few matches of the 2023/24 season because of surgery he had on his groin. The Argentine sacrificed himself for the final games of the campaign to try and fix an ongoing groin problem.

Fernandez has been training on his own at Cobh/.am in recent weeks, football.london understands, as he looks to make a recovery as soon as possible. Chelsea will be hoping the 23-year-old midfielder will take some part in the pre-season tour so he can be fit in time for the new campaign to begin.