Chelsea agree first 2026 summer transfer as Enzo Maresca handed boost after £70m decision

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Strasbourg for striker Emanuel Emegha to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2026.

The Blues have been keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old and his development over the last 12 months or so with the Strasbourg striker finishing the 2024/25 campaign with 14 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions. Emegha has started this season in equally impressive fashion, with three goals in the opening four games of the campaign for Chelsea's sister club.

Chelsea are aware there is plenty of interest in Emegha and his signature and have now decided to act, football.london understands. The Netherlands Under-21s international is now set to move to Stamford Bridge in just under 12 months' time to join up with his new teammates.

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The club will then make a decision over Emegha's future and whether a loan spell would be beneficial next term. He could, though, provide support and competition for the likes of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, who are Chelsea's go-to No.9 options at the moment.

Marc Guiu was recalled from his loan at Sunderland recently, with Nicolas Jackson then allowed to leave to join Bayern Munich on a season-long loan deal in a package worth around £70million. It has left Enzo Maresca rather short in the No.9 area, particularly when Guiu, who is still only 19-years-old, has just five Premier League appearances to his name in total.

The Blues wanted Guiu to go out and get some regular first-team football elsewhere this season to help his development, but with Delap injuring his hamstring - a problem that is set to keep him out for a minimum of 10 weeks - the club decided to recall the teenage Spaniard. There may well be intentions for Guiu to go out on loan next season, though, with Emegha coming in as the third striker.

Chelsea signed Delap and Joao Pedro over the summer but the latter is seen as a versatile forward, so he is not necessarily restricted to just the No.9 role. However, the majority of his short Chelsea tenure has seen the Brazil international leading the line.

In Cole Palmer's absence in recent games, though, Joao Pedro has dropped back into the No.10 role - and has excelled in doing so. He scored against West Ham United and then Fulham as the attacking midfielder, with the Brazilian proving his versatility for the Blues.