Chelsea fans should brace for a busy final stretch of the winter transfer window, with manager Enzo Maresca confirming that both signings and exits are expected before the deadline on Monday.
While Stamford Bridge has been relatively quiet in terms of completed deals this month, that could change rapidly in the coming days.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Maresca remained tight-lipped about potential movements but acknowledged that changes are imminent.
“You can expect players arriving and you can expect players leaving—it is like this in this moment,” he said. “I don’t have any idea about the ones that can leave and the ones that can arrive.
Anything can happen, we will see. My main focus is the next 48 hours, the game, which is the most important thing.”
Chelsea take on West Ham on Monday night in the Premier League, coinciding with the final hours of the transfer window.
The manager admitted that speculation is affecting some of his players, a challenge that he believes all clubs and managers, including Hammers boss Graham Potter, are facing.
“There are many noises around the players, but it is not just for us,” Maresca explained. “If you ask Graham, it’s probably exactly the same situation.”
Joao Felix, who has struggled to make an impact since signing in the summer, has been linked with an exit, with Aston Villa reportedly interested.
Defender Axel Disasi is also on Villa’s radar, while midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Ben Chilwell could be available for transfers. Additionally, Christopher Nkunku has attracted interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
The Blues are reportedly exploring options to strengthen their squad before the deadline. Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho have been linked as possible targets. Chelsea are also considering signing a new striker, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson on their radar.
With the clock ticking down, Chelsea’s squad could look very different by the time the window slams shut.