Chelsea will sign at least three new players - but must keep place for underused star

Rather remarkably, we are less than four months away from the 2025/26 Premier League season starting. This current campaign is not over, of course, but plenty of attention has already switched to the summer transfer window and the changes that need to be made in the Chelsea squad.

By the time August 16 - the start date for the new English top-flight season - comes around, the Blues' squad list is expected to look very different. , with the west Londoners having a they are considering making moves for. On said list are the likes of , Jonathan David, Hugo Ekitike and , while is still on the radar but there is an acceptance he would be the most expensive option and is considerably older than the rest.

Elsewhere, a left winger is being looked at, not only because the future of will be not be determined until the end of the season, but also due to the uncertainty surrounding . Chelsea have various options on their radar, including , who is a long-term target of the club's, while Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund is also admired. Interest in has not gone away either with the Manchester United winger potentially available this summer.

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Chelsea are also looking to sign a new central defender. after a fantastic debut season in the Premier League with Bournemouth, . Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are all said to be interested in Huijsen ahead of the summer window. Either way, Chelsea will look to bring in a new centre-back to boost their options in defence.

It means we could see at least three new signings through the door at Stamford Bridge over the coming months and that will be alongside the players already set to arrive. is set to take part in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, football.london understands, although a decision on where the Brazilian midfielder will be playing his football next season is still yet to be made. Santos has flourished on loan at Strasbourg this season but a decision on his future will likely depend on which European competitions Chelsea and their sister club qualify for.

Also arriving in west London this summer are the likes of Mike Penders, , Kendry Paez and Dario Essugo. However, it remains to be seen who is loaned out next term and who remains playing their football under . Whatever happens, there is expected to be lots of change - once again - at Chelsea.

In the midst of all this change, let's hope the brilliance of Tyrique George is not forgotten about. The 19-year-old made his sixth Premier League appearance of the season on Sunday afternoon - off the bench for the final 12 minutes (not including stoppage time) - and inspired the Blues' dramatic comeback victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

With the score at 1-0 to the Cottagers on 83 minutes, the ball fell to George at the edge of the box and the teenager delivered an exquisite, instinctive finish into the bottom corner to level the game. Around 10 minutes later, there was bedlam for the visiting supporters after fired in a stoppage time winner for Chelsea to move them temporarily back into the top five.

George has now scored twice in his last three appearances for Chelsea in all competitions - his first two goals for the club - as the Cobham graduate, who was promoted to the first team squad earlier in the season alongside Josh Acheampong, continues to knock on Maresca's door for a place in the starting line-up in the Premier League.

Any spot in the XI in the top-flight would be George's first, but he more than deserves it at this point given his contribution to the side, particularly since the turn of the year. Next season will be crucial for George's development, too, and the signing of a new left winger could impact his play time. Chelsea need to make a firm decision when the summer transfer window is here on whether George is better served sticking at the club next term and being a regular in the first team, or if a loan would aid his development and progress. I, for one, hope it is the former.

It is rather telling how quickly he has become a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge - something that can easily happen when you come through the academy. "Tyrique George, running down the wing, hear the Chelsea sing, we're all going to Wroclaw," was the chant from a few gentlemen having a lovely time at Earl's Court on Sunday evening.