Chelsea has announced huge changes to the squad numbers for the upcoming season, which include some surprises involving their new signings, according to Chelsea Chronicle.
Among the notable changes, Pedro Neto, who was signed during the summer, will be wearing the number seven shirt, a departure from the number he donned during his debut against Manchester City.
The number seven shirt was previously held by Raheem Sterling, signaling a potential shift in the club’s stance on the England international.
Sterling's exclusion from the matchday squad by manager Enzo Maresca has fueled speculation regarding his future at the club.
Reports suggest that Sterling has requested a transfer, adding urgency to the situation as the summer transfer window nears its close.
Another notable change is that the number nine shirt, traditionally assigned to the team's main striker, remains unclaimed. This has led to speculation that Chelsea could be reserving it for a potential new signing.
Victor Osimhen, Napoli's star striker, has been a long-term target for Chelsea, and the club’s interest in him has reportedly increased.
The Blues have been in discussions to possibly secure Osimhen’s signature, with rumors suggesting a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku could be on the table.
Chelsea's history with strikers has been a mixed bag in recent years, but the club remains optimistic.
Nicolas Jackson, who had a promising debut season, faces competition from Marc Guiu, a young talent who impressed during the pre-season.
Chelsea are likely to continue negotiations, particularly with Napoli, in the hope of securing Osimhen at a price lower than his reported £84 million valuation.
Whether they can finalize these deals in time remains to be seen, but the squad’s evolving shirt numbers indicate that more changes may be on cards.
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