Chelsea have decided against moves for Harry Kane and Kevin De Bruyne despite manager Enzo Maresca’s appeals for more experience in his young squad, according to The Telegraph.
Though De Bruyne’s expiring Manchester City contract had reignited talk of a Stamford Bridge return, concerns over his physical decline and the potential disruption to Cole Palmer’s development have seen Chelsea shelve any plans for a reunion.
The club views Palmer as their creative centerpiece and is unwilling to compromise that evolution.
Similarly, Chelsea have pulled back from pursuing high-profile veteran forwards such as Bayern Munich’s Kane, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Kane’s release clause and wage demands are seen as incompatible with Chelsea’s financial strategy, while Watkins’ declining output and advancing age have raised red flags regarding long-term value.
Rather than chase aging marquee names, Chelsea will focus recruitment on players with significant top-flight experience under 25.
Targets include 20-year-old Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi — all young, proven talents fitting the club’s revised acquisition model.
Chelsea, sitting just outside the Champions League spots, face a crucial fixture against Everton this weekend.
