After falling short of their seventh consecutive WSL win, Chelsea Women are under pressure from fans to put together a team fit to sit back at the top of the league, as fans have come to expect over the years.
Now that the summer transfer window is underway, questions loom over who would best fit into the team. With star players like Sam Kerr moving away, and gaps becoming apparent in the team, who would be fit to project the Blues back into the title conversation next season?
This article will explore four potential options for Chelsea Women to pursue during the summer transfer window, whether talks are already underway or if the team could benefit from a player in their position.
Ona Batlle – FC Barcelona Femení
As her contract is set to expire at FC Barcelona Femení, rumours fly as to where Ona Batlle will play next season. The potential for her to move from Liga F to the Women’s Super League is not unlikely, as she remains in talks with English teams.
There is potential for her to move away from the Liga F and into the Women’s Super League, with the defender supposedly keen on a move to England.
After a season that has exposed weakness in Chelsea’s left back, the full back would make a flexible addition to the team’s defence, offering consistent support in this area of the pitch. This would also mean that Baltimore could focus on the left wing instead of falling back.
Fans were particularly critical of weaknesses in the left-back position for Chelsea. The full-back would add versatility to the team’s defence, providing a more reliable option. This would also free up Sandy Baltimore at the sharp end of the field, bringing less pressure for the 26-year-old to drop back.
Chelsea would have to act quickly to sign Batlle, however, as reports suggest that she is currently in talks with Arsenal. It is believed that the Gunners are close to signing the full-back on a free transfer, meaning that anyone considering signing her would need to strike a deal sooner rather than later.
Kadija Shaw – Manchester City Ladies
As striker Sam Kerr departs Chelsea Women, the team must begin their search for a new forward. The 32-year-old has spearheaded the Blues’ successes for years, and her replacement must hit the ground running.
Kadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw will be a familiar name amongst the Chelsea Women faithful, with the potential of her move to Chelsea being in the pipeline for quite some time. Now, with her contract set to expire at Manchester City, she is sure to be on the move this summer, with many speculating that Chelsea will be at the front of the queue.
With an outstanding 19 goals in 21 games on record this season, her nerve in front of the goal would make her a worthy contender to play up front for Chelsea.
They are still competing with other clubs for her signature, with Barcelona reportedly interested, as well as WSL rivals London City Lionesses.
Chloe Kelly – Arsenal Women
On the wings, Chelsea would benefit from a player who could push forward and provide more options to pass the ball ahead. With gaps noted on the left wing for the club, someone to work consistently along the wing creates more opportunities to pass forwards.
Chelsea would greatly benefit from a boost out wide. With gaps particularly noticeable on the left flank. Chloe Kelly could be an audacious acquisition for the Blues this summer.
Kelly has proven to be a creative forward during her time at Arsenal Women, proving that she can create chances from the wings. After a good return of seven goals and assists across sixteen matches this season, she could bring more options for goal scorers at the club.
The likelihood of Kelly moving clubs this season appears to be slim. After her return to Arsenal permanently in early 2025, the 28-year-old is believed to be enjoying playing for the club, and has a contract signed until 2028. Any club wanting to sign her before then would have to work in her interest, while a hefty fee would be required.
Despite this, her signing would be valuable to any club, and it would be worthwhile for Chelsea to attempt to sway her away from their London rivals.
Lucia Kendall – Aston Villa Women
Finding a partner for Keira Walsh has been a challenge for Chelsea Women recently. Fans believe that their midfield is crying out for an enforcer.
Kendall would be a fantastic fit for the Chelsea team, with her combination of experience in the WSL2, along with her potential to grow due to her being at the beginning of her WSL career. The technical ability that she has demonstrated this season would complement the midfield three that Chelsea have started to favour, providing a similar play style to the team that Chelsea have already built.
Lucia Kendall would be a fantastic fit for the Blues. Having experienced the WSL2, her career trajectory has been excellent to watch over the years. Her demonstrable technical ability is admirable, and she still has a vast amount of potential to meet. Any club that could secure her signature would have an excellent prospect on their books.
With her current contract with Villa set to expire at the end of June, several clubs will be queuing for the midfielder. And a move to Chelsea is promising for any woman’s career in the game.
