Chelsea’s acquisition of forwards continues unabated. Since the takeover by the Clearlake Capital consortium in the summer of 2022 they have permanently signed 19 wingers, strikers, and attacking midfielders. In the coming days that number should grow to a round 20, as Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens expected to follow Joao Pedro, who signed from Brighton and Hove Albion in a $69 million deal, arriving to feature in the closing stages of the Club World Cup.

All that spending adds up to over half a billion dollars invested in the attack alone during the last three years of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali’s leadership. Notably, some expenditures felt necessary, as debate about their chosen players continues. By the end of last season, it was clear that the team needed a left winger to replace Jadon Sancho, returned to Manchester United despite a penalty fee, and a second experienced striker to use alongside Nicolas Jackson. If the club aspires to progress from being Champions League qualifiers to title contenders, they might require additional influence.

This long list of talent raises several other considerations beyond merely evaluating whether the current forwards can win major trophies. There’s significant discourse around the market for Raheem Sterling, who, two years from his $410,000 a week contract, saw his value diminish after a disappointing loan at Arsenal. Additionally, what potential await Deivid Washington and David Datro Fofana, who may become entrenched in loan spells, echoing Roman Abramovich’s era?

In light of these factors, fans will discover ample material for analysis. The ranking process reflects both individual contributions and overall performances over recent seasons.

1. Cole Palmer

Not only Chelsea’s standout player, but Cole Palmer serves as an excellent example of the club’s recruitment model. His signing from Manchester City, at around $55 million, has proven to be a shrewd investment, potentially doubling or tripling in value. Initially last season, he was the Premier League’s best attacker outside of Mohamed Salah and concluded the season among the top ten in assists and goals.

2. Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson can frustrate supporters, yet he consistently achieves the one critical aspect of a top striker: generating shots. He notably averaged 3.41 non-penalty shots on goal per 90 minutes, aligning with Erling Haaland’s output.

3. Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro, since his arrival from Watford, has always shown promise, evidenced by his 19 goals in the past two Premier League seasons. However, nine of those were penalties, demonstrating a need for improvement.

4. Liam Delap

Liam Delap displayed considerable potential last season with Ipswich, contributing 12 goals. His ability to secure playing time in future matches presents a critical question.

5. Jamie Gittens

The young player is expected to bolster the team’s speed and attacking options, currently preparing to seal his move from Borussia Dortmund.

6. Noni Madueke

With an upward trajectory, Madueke scored 11 goals last season and consistently found himself in advanced positions.

7. Pedro Neto

Despite his $70 million deal, Neto’s underwhelming result in terms of goals scored raises concerns about his effectiveness.

8. Estevao Willian

Willian, at 18, is anticipated to transition smoothly from Brazil to England, having displayed notable talent on the field already.

9. Tyrique George

George has the opportunity to shine in the upcoming season, having demonstrated adequate skill in his limited appearances.

10. Christopher Nkunku

With uncertainties surrounding his future at Chelsea, Nkunku seeks to reclaim past accolades after an uninspiring previous campaign.

11. Marc Guiu

Displaying exceptional talent in prior tournaments, Guiu’s ongoing development will unfold with time.

12. Kendry Paez

Paez’s future remains uncertain, with a loan to Strasbourg anticipated for next season.

13. Carney Chukwuemeka

Chukwuemeka’s career trajectory has been hindered by injuries, and the team may find it necessary to loan him out once again.

14. Armando Broja

Falling under prior expectations, Broja’s performance last season raises questions regarding his role in the team.

15. Omari Kellyman

Kellyman’s injury has limited opportunities for progression in his career, which Chelsea’s investment last summer encourages scrutiny of.

16. David Datro Fofana

The young striker’s notable absence in game impact over successive loan spells casts doubt on his future potential with the club.

17. Deivid Washington

Evaluating Washington’s performance as he reconnects with his former team poses further question marks.

18. Raheem Sterling

A potential change of scenery could benefit Sterling as he faces his own challenges with youth in the lineup.

19. Joao Felix

Felix’s situation is the most perplexing, entangled within Chelsea’s shifting systems and commitments.

20. Mykhailo Mudryk

Mudryk faces a challenging period with an impending suspension that complicates his career trajectory with Chelsea.