Chelsea Football Club stands at a pivotal crossroads as it prepares for the 2025 summer transfer window. Despite a rich history of heavy spending, the club now faces a different kind of challenge—not a lack of ambition, but a serious financial constraint that could severely impact its ability to sign a world-class striker. With goal-scoring woes haunting the club and their top targets already attracting interest across Europe, Chelsea must now think creatively and strategically if it hopes to address its offensive shortcomings.
An Underwhelming Offensive Output
Chelsea’s struggles in front of goal this season have become increasingly evident. Nicolas Jackson, the club’s current first-choice striker, has managed nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances across competitions. While this output shows promise, it lacks the consistency and finishing prowess expected from a striker at a club of Chelsea’s stature.
Adding to the concern, left-back Marc Cucurella—primarily a defensive player—sits atop Chelsea’s scoring chart in recent weeks, with just three goals. This startling statistic highlights a deeper issue: Chelsea lacks a natural, clinical finisher. The team’s attacking build-up often looks sharp, but without a proven striker to finish moves, Chelsea continues to drop crucial points in matches it should comfortably win.
The situation could worsen if Christopher Nkunku, one of the few players offering attacking versatility, leaves the club in the coming months. Injuries and inconsistency have disrupted his Chelsea career thus far, and with reports suggesting a possible transfer or loan move, the need for reinforcement up front becomes even more urgent.
A New Financial Reality Under Boehly
Since taking over in 2022, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have overseen one of the most aggressive squad rebuilds in Premier League history. Chelsea spent over £1 billion on player transfers in the last three years. However, the club now finds itself nearing Financial Fair Play (FFP) limits and must adopt a more cautious approach.
One major obstacle lies in the wage structure. Despite being a top Premier League club, Chelsea currently offers lower salaries compared to other mid-table or even bottom-half teams. Several player agents have pointed this out, with one claiming bluntly that “Chelsea doesn’t pay salaries.”
This sentiment reflects a growing perception in the football world. Many top-level strikers now hesitate to consider Chelsea because the financial package does not align with their expectations. Chelsea’s recruitment team has tried to shift its focus toward younger players with potential resale value, but this approach often conflicts with the immediate need for experience and quality in front of goal.
Striker Targets: Young Talent, Big Hopes
Despite its financial limitations, Chelsea continues to scout and monitor several strikers who could realistically strengthen the squad. Each target presents different qualities and comes with their own set of risks and rewards:
Liam Delap (Ipswich Town)
The 22-year-old has impressed during his debut Premier League season, scoring 12 goals in 33 appearances. His physicality, work rate, and finishing ability have drawn comparisons to early-career Harry Kane. A £30 million release clause becomes active if Ipswich suffers relegation this season, making him a relatively affordable option. Chelsea sees Delap as a player who could grow into a leading role.
Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig)
At just 21 years old, the Slovenian striker already features regularly in the Bundesliga and has become a key figure at Leipzig. His height, movement, and finishing make him one of Europe’s most promising young forwards. However, strong competition from clubs like Manchester United and AC Milan may complicate any potential move. Chelsea will need to act fast and aggressively if it hopes to secure his services.
Jonathan David (Lille)
David, 25, brings proven scoring experience in Ligue 1. His intelligent positioning, composure in front of goal, and ability to operate both centrally and on the wing make him a versatile option. His contract situation at Lille could present an opportunity for Chelsea, especially if the French club looks to cash in during the summer window.
Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Still only 22, Ekitike moved to Germany in search of more playing time and has shown flashes of brilliance. Chelsea sees him as a long-term project, someone who could develop into a star under the right coaching environment. While not the finished product, Ekitike fits the club’s model of investing in youth.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli, on loan at Galatasaray)
Osimhen remains Chelsea’s long-term dream signing. His pace, power, and ruthlessness in front of goal could instantly elevate Chelsea’s attacking threat. However, Osimhen’s current situation, combined with his age and likely price tag of over £100 million, makes this transfer difficult under Chelsea’s financial constraints. Any move would require player sales or financial maneuvering to avoid breaching FFP regulations.
Chelsea’s Strategy Going Forward
Head coach Enzo Maresca now faces a balancing act. On one hand, he must reinforce the squad to ensure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. On the other, he must do so without overstepping financial boundaries or upsetting the club’s new wage model.
Maresca prefers a style of football that relies on a mobile striker who can link up play and press from the front. Any new signing must not only score goals but also fit into the team’s tactical identity. For this reason, Chelsea may avoid big-name stars who bring individual brilliance but lack tactical discipline.
Behind the scenes, the recruitment team works around the clock to identify cost-effective options. The club now relies heavily on data analysis, scouting networks, and player potential when finalizing targets. This shift from previous windows, where Chelsea often signed high-profile names without a long-term plan, signals a more strategic and sustainable approach.
The Road Ahead
Chelsea no longer enjoys the luxury of outspending every rival. The club must now adapt, showing that financial prudence and sporting ambition can co-exist. This summer’s transfer window will serve as a litmus test for the current ownership’s long-term vision.
Can Chelsea land a quality striker under budget? Will young talents like Delap or Šeško take the leap and thrive at a top-six club? Or will the financial walls prove too high to scale, forcing Chelsea to settle for second-tier options?
Answers will arrive soon enough. But one truth remains clear—without a reliable goal scorer, Chelsea cannot expect to reclaim its spot among Europe’s elite. Whether through smart deals or bold risks, the club must find the striker who will lead them into a new era.
