As Chelsea gears up for the upcoming season, one glaring statistic captures the chaos of their recent transfer activity: 12 forwards are currently listed in the squad. Yet, remarkably, the club appears to have just one reliable substitute striker.
Among the names are high-profile signings, academy products, and a few question marks. The current roster includes: Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, João Félix, Liam Delap, João Pedro, Pedro Neto, Raheem Sterling, Christopher Nkunku, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, and David Datro Fofana.
Notably, only Jackson is considered a nailed-on option for the No. 9 role. While others bring versatility and attacking flair, few are natural center-forwards. Broja and Fofana are potential alternatives, but both remain unproven at top level and have struggled with consistency or fitness. Promising names like Guiu and Delap add to the crowd, but lack elite experience.
Even more striking is the absence of Mykhaylo Mudryk, another expensive forward, who is currently sidelined due to a doping suspension. His situation further complicates Chelsea’s already unbalanced attacking department.
The club’s investment in this group is staggering. According to Transfermarkt, Chelsea has spent over €400 million on these forwards alone — an eye-watering figure that brings into focus the club’s scattergun approach to squad building.
Despite the depth on paper, the squad lacks clarity, structure, and a proven goal-scorer to lead the line. The over-saturation of similar profiles — wide players and inside forwards — raises serious questions about Chelsea’s recruitment philosophy under the current ownership.
Heading into the new campaign, manager Enzo Maresca faces a delicate task: trimming the fat, defining roles, and somehow turning this bloated attack into a cohesive, goal-scoring force. Otherwise, the club risks repeating the same cycle of overinvestment and underperformance that has plagued recent seasons
