Chelsea and BlueCo are reportedly making some transfer plans ahead of 2026 already, but for Enzo Maresca, his focus is entirely on the pitch.
Bayern Munich deal Chelsea their first defeat of the season
The Blues’ 23-man Champions League squad — which now includes summer signing Facundo Buonanotte who’s replaced the injured Dario Essugo — travelled to Bavaria to take on Bayern Munich last night in their opening game of the league phase.
Maresca could’ve hardly asked for a tougher first challenge of Chelsea’s European campaign, and Vincent Kompany’s side were on top form to deal the Blues’ their first defeat of 2025/2026.
A Trevoh Chalobah own goal and two strikes from Harry Kane — one from the penalty spot — cancelled out an excellent finish from Cole Palmer, who briefly grabbed one back from 2-0 down on the counterattack.
Palmer’s first full start after coming back from a groin injury was unfortunately marred by Chelsea’s loss at the Allianz Arena, with their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence ultimately spoiled.
That being said, the forward is adamant that Chelsea did enough to earn something from the 90.
Maresca was forced to start a centre-back pairing of Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo again, who were ultimately undone by the talismanic Kane, with Chelsea believed to be in the market for a star defender once the window reopens.
Chelsea eyeing new centre-back after summer transfer failure
It is believed that Chelsea wanted to sign a centre-back in the summer window, but ultimately couldn’t find the right profile (Simon Phillips).
Liverpool
£415,000,000
£187,000,000
£228,000,000
Chelsea
£285,000,000
£288,000,000
-£3,000,000
Arsenal
£255,000,000
£9,000,000
£246,000,000
Newcastle
£250,000,000
£152,000,000
£98,000,000
Man Utd
£216,000,000
£68,000,000
£148,000,000
Nottm Forest
£205,000,000
£107,000,000
£98,000,000
Tottenham
£181,000,000
£36,000,000
£145,000,000
Sunderland
£162,000,000
£44,000,000
£118,000,000
Man City
£152,000,000
£53,000,000
£99,000,000
West Ham
£124,000,000
£55,000,000
£69,000,000
via BBC
Instead, BlueCo are expected to reserve that transfer plan for 2026, and the prospect of Chelsea bringing in a star man for the heart of their backline is very much alive for January.
Reports have suggested that Chelsea are admirers of ex-player Marc Guehi, even if his preferred destination is Liverpool (Simon Phillips), with reporter Graeme Bailey now claiming that they’re still expected to make him an offer.
Chelsea to make offer for Marc Guehi next summer
Speaking to the Chelsea Chronicle, Bailey says he is convinced that Chelsea will make an offer for Guehi, and believes that they can win the race for the ex-Cobham starlet, who left Stamford Bridge in 2021 after making two senior appearances.
In terms of potential centre-back targets, Guehi stands chief among the most appealing potential signings — both in terms of cost and quality.
The 25-year-old is now an established England international and Premier League stalwart, branded “sensational” by Palace chairman Steve Parish, and he’s likely to be one of the most in-demand free agents of 2026.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also eyeing a move for Guehi (The Mirror), among others, so the battle for his signature will be intense.
