Chelsea's Next Step: Can Maresca Build a Title Contender for 2026-27?

Third place and a Champions League quarter-final. By any normal measure, Chelsea's 2025-26 season would be considered a success — a significant improvement on the chaos of recent years. But at Stamford Bridge, the ambition is always the title, and the 12-point gap to champions Arsenal tells you exactly where Enzo Maresca's side still need to improve.

What worked

Maresca's possession-based system has given Chelsea an identity for the first time since the Tuchel era. They finished with the second-highest possession average in the league at 63%, and their patient build-up play created the third-most chances. Cole Palmer's second season was even better than his sensational first — 19 goals and 13 assists from the right channel, confirming his status as England's most creative talent. The back four, marshalled by Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, conceded just 34 goals — the joint-second best in the league.

What didn't

The squad's inability to break down deep-lying defences cost them at least six draws against lower-half teams, which is ultimately why they finished third instead of challenging for the title. Chelsea created plenty of chances but converted at just 11.2% — below the league average. The absence of a reliable 20-goal centre-forward was glaring. Nicolas Jackson scored 12 goals, which was adequate but not title-winning quality. Maresca needs a striker who can finish with both feet, win aerial duels, and link play — a profile that is extremely rare and extremely expensive.

Transfer priorities

The number nine position is the obvious priority. Chelsea have been linked with Victor Osimhen if Napoli are willing to sell after winning Serie A, and with Victor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. Either would represent a transformative signing. Beyond the striker, a holding midfielder who can protect the back four while progressing the ball — Chelsea have been crying out for a Rodri-type profile — would address the defensive vulnerabilities that appeared in Champions League knockout rounds.

The Palmer question

Cole Palmer's development has been Chelsea's greatest success, but keeping him long-term is not guaranteed. Real Madrid and Barcelona have both expressed interest, and Palmer's current contract, while running until 2032, may need upgrading to reflect his importance. Chelsea's entire attacking system is built around Palmer's creativity — losing him would set the project back years.

Can they win the league?

The gap between third and first is significant but not insurmountable. Arsenal won the title with 89 points — Chelsea's 77 would need an improvement of 12 points, which equates to roughly four additional wins from draws. With a proper centre-forward and a deeper midfield, those wins become realistic. Maresca has shown he can build a coherent system; the question is whether the recruitment can provide the final pieces. Chelsea's trajectory is upward, and 2026-27 could be the year they rejoin the title conversation.