I also think that Chelsea will still find it quite difficult to reach the top four next season with the current squad condition, but on the other hand I also don't think Chelsea will fight to avoid relegation because Chelsea will definitely be able to save themselves in the middle of the table like in the top ten or below next season. In addition, the Premier League which is still known for its strong competition from every opponent can also benefit a team like Chelsea because after all Chelsea is not the worst team in the Premier League.
It's hard to say what Chelsea are capable of with Maresca until the season starts, but I don't see how they can fight for the Champions League zone. The team has progressed with Pochettino, and if he had stayed as coach, I would have expected Chelsea to be able to do it, but Maresca is changing everything at his own discretion again and I can't imagine what Chelsea can be like, but for now I find it hard to believe that they will be able to fight with the teams from the top of the table.
I never thought this team would make it into the top 4 this season. Chelsea struggled in mid-table for much of the 2023/24 season, but have won their last five games to move up to sixth. Those investing in Chelsea should understand that this is a long-term process and it will take time before they can return to the top 4. It was a two-three year project before Chelsea's youth squad took the team back to the Champions League. The chaos at Stamford Bridge under Todd Boehly continued as Mauricio Pochettino departed at the end of the season, with Enzo Maresca as his replacement. Enzo Maresca needs to rebuild the team's winning spirit.
I believe that if Christopher Nkunku can maintain his best form, he has the class and experience to form a partnership with Cole Palmer, thereby at least helping Chelsea return to the Champions League, where this team belongs. Of course, we can't predict the future. But at the moment, Chelsea look unlikely to break into the top four immediately.