Chelsea are the champions of the world, but will they become champions of England, or perhaps even Europe, once again this season?
What are Chelsea's confirmed transfers?
Chelsea's arrivals
- João Pedro: Brighton & Hove Albion - £55 million.
- Jamie Gittens: Borussia Dortmund - £48.5 million.
- Estêvão Willian: Palmeiras - £29 million.
- Liam Delap: Ipswich Town - £30 million.
- Jorrel Hato: Ajax - £35.5 million.
- Kendry Páez: Independiente del Valle - £17.27 million.
- Dário Essugo: Sporting CP - £18.5 million.
- Mamadou Sarr: Strasbourg - £12 million.
- Mike Penders: Genk - £17 million.
Chelsea's departures
- Noni Madueke: Arsenal - £52 million.
- João Félix: Al-Nassr - £26.2 million.
- Đorđe Petrović: Bournemouth - £25 million.
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Everton - £25 million.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga: Arsenal - £5 million.
- Armando Broja: Burnley - £20 million.
- Lesley Ugochukwu: Burnley - £23.2 million.
- Marc Guiu: Sunderland - loan.
- Mathis Amougou: Strasbourg - £12.5 million.
- Bashir Humphreys: Burnley £10 million.
- Kendry Páez: Strasbourg - loan.
- Mamadou Sarr: Strasbourg - loan.
- Mike Penders: Strasbourg - loan.
- Marcus Bettinelli: Manchester City - undisclosed.
- Caleb Wiley: Watford - loan.
Pleased note: all information is correct as of the date of publication.
What happened at Chelsea last season?
Given that last season spanned 339 days, playing 64 matches across the five competitions, how long have you got? The Blues picked up major silverware, lifting the UEFA Conference League in Wrocław, fighting back from a goal down to defeat Real Betis 4-1. Meantime, they finished fourth in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification on the final day, thanks to a 1-0 win at Forest.
Enzo Maresca's side then enjoyed further success during the summer, becoming the inaugural winners of the expanded, revamped FIFA Club World Cup. The Blues beat LAFC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Benfica, Palmeiras and Fluminense en route to the final, in which they really upset the odds by demolished PSG 3-0 in East Rutherford; Cole Palmer scoring twice at MetLife Stadium. In short, everything is looking bright for Chelsea, now targeting more prestigious honours this season.
How will Chelsea do this season?
As ever in the Clearlake Capital-era, it has been a busy summer at Chelsea. So far, Noni Madueke, João Félix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Đorđe Petrović, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Kepa Arrizabalaga and others have been sold, raising in excess of £200 million.
Meantime, the Blues have signed Liam Delap and João Pedro, both of whom debuted during the Club World Cup, with the latter scoring twice in the semi-finals and then again in the final. Since, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and Estêvão Willian have also arrived, giving Maresca plenty of options.
Last season, given that they were in the Conference League, Maresca was able to rotate heavily for mid-week European fixtures, a luxury he will not be able to enjoy this time round. Nevertheless, Chelsea certainly have a squad capable of competing with the very best, both domestically and in Europe, meaning they have to be serious candidates to win all four competitions they're entering.
What is our predicted Premier League finish for Chelsea?
- Our predicted finish for Chelsea in the Premier League this season: 4th.
What are Chelsea's first 6 Premier League fixtures?
- Crystal Palace (H). Sunday 17 August. Kick off 14:00 (BST).
- West Ham United (A). Friday 22 August. Kick off 20:00 (BST).
- Fulham (H). Saturday 30 August. Kick off 12:30 (BST).
- Brentford (A). Saturday 13 September. Kick off 20:00 (BST).
- Manchester United (A). Saturday 20 September. Kick off 17:30 (BST).
- Brighton & Hove Albion (H). Saturday 27 September. Kick off 15:00 (BST).
What are some other key dates for Chelsea supporters?
- 27 August: Carabao Cup third round draw - taking place around 22:30 (BST).
- 28 August: UEFA Champions League league phase draw - taking place at 17:00 (BST).
- 1 September: The transfer window closes at 19:00 (BST).