Chelsea analysis: How could Enzo Maresca’s attack line up next season after Joao Pedro addition
Chelsea have announced Joao Pedro as their second signing of the summer from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Brazilian signed an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge in a deal worth up to £60million.
The Blues have already added Liam Delap to their squad from Ipswich Town this summer, as well as Palmerias wonderkid Estevao, in a pre-arranged transfer.
With a host of fresh arrivals in West London, what could Enzo Maresca’s front line look like next season?
Here, Transfer News Blitz’s Edward Moss has looked at how the Italian could set up.
Down the middle
Nicholas Jackson and Liam Delap at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Following the additions of Delap and Pedro, the Blues have plenty of options up front.
With Marc Guiu and Nicholas Jackson already at the club, it could pose a potential selection headache for Marseca, who opts to play a lone centre-forward.
While Guiu played a bit-part role at Stamford Bridge last term, Jackson primarily led the line.
The 24-year-old bagged 15 goal involvements in the Premier League last season, but has clearly left the Chelsea higher-ups less than convinced.
The Senegalese striker was sent off in the Blues’ FIFA Club World Cup loss to Flamengo, leaving new boy Delap to lead the line.
After netting his first goal for the club against Tunisian side Esperance Tunis, the 22-year-old has impressed.
However, with the signing of Pedro, who scored 10 Premier League goals last term, it leaves three top-quality strikers to fight for one starting spot.
It is a possibility that the Brazilian could be shifted out to the left flank, and for that reason, I think Jackson may get the nod up top as the most established centre-forward at Chelsea.
On the flanks
Pedro Neto scores for Chelsea.
Despite a large net spend, the Blues are actually fairly thin out wide.
Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto have been the preferred choices, while youngster Tyrique George has also steadily risen through the ranks.
However, fellow Premier League side Arsenal are reportedly exploring a deal to sign Madueke from the West Londoners this summer.
Raheem Sterling spent last season on loan at the Gunners and is set to return to Stamford Bridge, although it is highly unlikely the 30-year-old will be involved.
Meanwhile, Mykhaylo Mudryk is still unavailable indefinitely.
The Blues are working to sign Jamie Gittens from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund this summer, which would give Maresca another option on the wings.
If Madueke is to leave Chelsea, I think we could see Neto and new boy Pedro on the flanks next term.
The playmaker
Cole Palmer in discussion with Enzo Maresca.
There is only one choice to start in attacking midfield, and that is Cole Palmer.
Firmly established as one of Europe’s best players, the 23-year-old has bagged an incredible 68 goal contributions in two years at Chelsea.
Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix have been rumoured to depart West London this summer, which could leave the Blues light for back-up.
However, youngster Kendry Paez could be given the opportunity to be Palmer’s understudy next term.
While Chelsea certainly need to get a few more faces through the door, Maresca’s attack is beginning to look very dangerous.
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