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Samuel - July 1, 2025
Chelsea remains one of the most active Premier League clubs in the summer 2025 transfer window, continuing to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
Following the arrival of Liam Delap, the Blues are closing in on deals for Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, two high-profile additions that signal a clear focus on revamping their attacking options.
After lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League and securing Champions League football for the 2025/26 campaign, Chelsea are targeting elite reinforcements to elevate their status. A lack of depth and cutting edge in the final third hampered their domestic consistency last season, something the club is now aggressively addressing.
With both Gittens and Pedro fresh off impressive campaigns, their arrivals could inject speed, creativity, and much-needed goal threat into Enzo Maresca’s tactical system. Here’s how both forwards are expected to fit into Chelsea’s plans.
Jamie Gittens has emerged as one of the top young wingers in European football. The 20-year-old English talent made his name at Borussia Dortmund after moving from Manchester City’s academy, and his performances over the past two seasons have earned him widespread attention.
In the 2024/25 campaign, Gittens scored eight Bundesliga goals and provided three assists, along with four goals in the Champions League. Known for his blistering pace, technical dribbling, and confident 1v1 play, Gittens thrives on breaking down defenses with direct runs and quick link-ups.
Beyond raw speed, Gittens is also a smart creator. His ability to pick out teammates with accurate crosses and incisive through balls showcases his playmaking maturity. His 12-goal tally across all competitions underscores his growing influence at the top level.
Currently involved with Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup, Gittens is expected to join Chelsea’s pre-season squad once his move is finalized.
Joao Pedro was a standout performer for Brighton last season, scoring 10 Premier League goals and contributing six assists. His versatility across the front line, operating as a winger, central playmaker, or striker makes him a valuable asset for any tactical setup.
Pedro brings agility, vision, and finishing precision, making him a dynamic threat whether deployed wide or through the middle. His adaptability is key for Maresca, who prioritizes fluid attacking rotations and positional freedom in the final third.
Having previously played for Watford, Pedro is no stranger to the intensity of English football. His Premier League experience gives Chelsea a ready-made contributor with the technical and physical attributes to make an immediate impact.
Pedro is expected to join the squad in the United States for the Club World Cup, potentially making his debut against Palmeiras in the quarter-finals if registered in time.
The potential signings of Gittens and Pedro could significantly alter Chelsea’s starting XI and matchday tactics. With Jadon Sancho’s departure and Mykhailo Mudryk likely unavailable, Gittens is expected to slot straight into the starting XI as the primary left winger.
Gittens fits the mold of a Maresca winger, quick, aggressive, and capable of cutting inside or creating width. His profile is ideal for high-pressing systems and transitional play.
Pedro, meanwhile, offers multi-positional value. With the expected exits of Christopher Nkunku and João Félix, Pedro is likely to assume a central role in attack, offering cover for Cole Palmer in the No. 10 position while also rotating between striker and winger roles. His versatility allows Chelsea to switch formations mid-match, from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2, depending on the opponent.
Pedro’s arrival brings added competition and tactical flexibility to Chelsea’s attack. Nicolas Jackson, who scored 10 league goals last season, will now compete for starts alongside Pedro and Delap in Maresca’s flexible forward line.
With Maresca open to deploying a two-striker system, likely in a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2, Pedro’s arrival adds tactical depth and increases competition for places.
Joao Pedro’s creative traits could see him used in matches requiring intricate playmaking, while Jackson may be favored for pressing and counter-attacks. Delap, known for his physical presence and aerial threat, could be deployed in more direct encounters.
Rather than creating selection headaches, Pedro’s inclusion gives Maresca more options and rotation possibilities that were lacking last season. It also allows Chelsea to approach different match types with tailored combinations.
Chelsea’s aggressive moves for Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens mark a clear statement of intent in the 2025 summer transfer window. Both signings bring energy, versatility, and end-product to a squad that needed sharper edges in front of goal.
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea aims to play dynamic, possession-heavy football with tactical flexibility. These two additions not only align with that philosophy but also raise the ceiling for what the club can achieve next season, both in the Premier League and on the European stage.
