Four transfers Chelsea can complete before opening Premier League game against Crystal Palace

Chelsea are gearing up for their second season under Enzo Maresca and, after their Club World Cup triumph and impressive pre-season showings, they look well-positioned to compete at the top of the Premier League.

The London club played two friendlies in the build-up to Sunday’s opening game against Crystal Palace, winning both fixtures against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan. Several of their new signings have made strong early impressions, including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Estevao Willian.

Now, all attention turns to the league campaign, with a return to Champions League football also on the horizon. In preparation for such a crucial season, Chelsea have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, bringing in eight new players so far.

READ MORE: Xavi Simons transfer race takes fresh twist as Chelsea seek £52m solution

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca Chelsea decision proven right after controversial transfer plan

However, their business is not yet complete. A handful of further signings are still in progress ahead of Sunday’s match, while others could stretch into the final days before the September 1 deadline.

One deal Chelsea are particularly eager to finalise is the signing of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons . The Blues have been in talks with the Bundesliga side for some time, with recent speculation suggesting a potential swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku may be on the table.

That said, it's worth noting Chelsea could face late competition for the Dutchman’s signature, with journalist Sacha Tavolieri reporting this week that Manchester City may also enter the race. Nevertheless, Chelsea will hope the groundwork already laid will be enough to secure the player, regardless of outside interest - similar to how they succeeded in signing Moises Caicedo in 2023, despite a late bid from Liverpool, after already receiving the player’s commitment.

Elsewhere, Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho continues to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. The 21-year-old is reportedly surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and is part of the so-called ‘bomb squad’ expected to depart United before the window closes.

It also remains to be seen whether Chelsea will target another central defender following Levi Colwill ’s ACL injury last week. The Blues have already brought in Jorrel Hato from Ajax, but may need to offload someone like Trevoh Chalobah before returning to the market.

As for deals that could be completed this week, outgoings are a major focus at Stamford Bridge due to the sheer volume of arrivals. As mentioned, Nkunku is one of the players tipped to leave, while Nicolas Jackson has also reportedly expressed a desire to move on following the arrivals of Pedro and Delap.

A report from The Telegraph over the weekend claims the Senegal international’s preferred destination is Newcastle United. The Magpies are in the market for attacking reinforcements, having missed out on several key targets this summer, with uncertainty still surrounding Alexander Isak’s future.

Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga are among the other names expected to leave this summer. Whether any of those exits are sanctioned before Sunday’s opener against Palace remains to be seen.