Chelsea back away from Harry Kane move & Kevin De Bruyne reunion despite Enzo Maresca's pleas for more experience in youthful squad

With Kevin De Bruyne’s contract at Manchester City set to expire, speculation has intensified over the midfielder’s next move. Though Chelsea once showed interest in bringing back their former player, who they sold to Wolfsburg in 2014, the club now seems reluctant to revisit the past, according to The Telegraph. Concerns reportedly revolve around his recent physical decline and how his presence might complicate tactical setups, particularly regarding Cole Palmer, who has taken on a central creative role this season.

Similarly, Chelsea appear unwilling to pursue veteran goal scorers like Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, or Napoli’s Victor Osimhen to resolve their attacking woes. Kane, despite having a release clause in his contract, is seen as financially out of reach, with both transfer fees and wage demands deemed excessive for Chelsea’s current model. Whereas Watkins, who turns 30 later this year, has seen his goal output dip from last season, leading to doubts about his long-term viability.

Rather than pursue marquee signings nearing the twilight of their careers, Chelsea’s recruitment will lean toward individuals with substantial first-team experience, regardless of how young they may be. Dean Huijsen, a 20-year-old defender currently at Bournemouth, has emerged as a possible target. Despite his age, he has amassed 25 Premier League appearances and featured in 14 matches for Serie A sides Roma and Juventus. Another player fitting this profile is Jarrad Branthwaite, the Everton centre-back who has racked up 82 appearances for the Toffees. Marc Guéhi, who came through Chelsea’s own academy before moving to Crystal Palace, has already played 150 games for the Eagles, further exemplifying the type of experienced youth Chelsea are prioritising.

Chelsea currently sit just one spot outside the Champions League places heading into their weekend match against Everton. A win would not only bolster their European ambitions but also provide some much-needed breathing room for Maresca, who continues to face scrutiny over the team’s inconsistent form.