Chelsea are set to sign Italy attacking midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona, according to BBC Sport.
The 19-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan at Roma and has been on Chelsea’s radar for several years. The move would make Dragoni the club’s fourth summer signing as they look to regain the Women’s Super League title after Manchester City’s success last season, per the same report.
Why Chelsea want Dragoni
Dragoni is viewed as a high-upside addition with elite-level experience for her age. She has already made 24 appearances for Italy since debuting aged 16 in 2023, and she has played in the Women’s Champions League with Roma, according to BBC Sport.
It is understood Chelsea have been attracted by Dragoni’s versatility and her ability to play across multiple attacking roles as well as in midfield. That profile fits a modern top-level squad build: players who can occupy different lanes and positions within the same game, and who allow a coach to change structure without changing personnel.
For Chelsea, who have typically demanded flexibility from their attacking midfielders and wide players, Dragoni’s ability to operate in several positions could prove particularly useful across a long domestic and European calendar.
Infographic-style stats
Age: 19
Position: Attacking midfielder
Current club: Barcelona
Recent loans: Roma (two seasons)
Italy caps: 24
Italy debut: Aged 16 (2023)
From Inter academy to Barcelona — via Roma
Dragoni joined Barcelona in 2023 after graduating from Inter Milan’s youth academy, BBC Sport reports. Rather than stepping straight into a settled first-team environment, she has spent the past two campaigns gaining senior minutes at Roma, including in the Women’s Champions League.
That pathway matters for Chelsea’s recruitment logic: it suggests Dragoni arrives not only with technical pedigree, but also with experience of high-stakes matches and the physical demands of senior football, despite still being in her teens.
What happens next for Chelsea’s summer business
BBC Sport describes the deal as one Chelsea are “set to” complete, positioning it as an advanced move rather than early-stage interest. If finalised, it would further underline Chelsea’s intent to respond immediately to last season’s title outcome in the Women’s Super League.
With Dragoni expected to add depth and variety across attacking and midfield lines, Chelsea’s next steps will likely revolve around how quickly she can be integrated into the squad and what her arrival means for competition for places. The club’s broader objective is clear from the BBC report: regaining the WSL crown after Manchester City finished top last season.
Any confirmation of the transfer, including contract length, fee details, medical timing and squad number, has not been provided in the BBC report and remains to be formally announced by the clubs.
