After signing 18 new players since the arrival of Todd Boehly at Chelsea, the club is preparing for a massive clearout in the summer.
As many as seven players have been put up for sale by the higher ups, with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all set to leave.
Having spent so much on incomings, it is important that the club focuses on departures now. This will not only trim the squad and make opportunities more accessible to those who are part of the project. But, it will also raise funds to meet the FFP regulations.
Chelsea preparing massive first team exits in the summer
Christian Pulisic has failed to earn a consistent place in the starting line-up due to a difficult injury record, and a lack of consistent form. His deal is expiring in 2024, and the club will not offer him a new one. So, he is set to leave in the summer instead of walking out as a free agent next year.
Hakim Ziyech was close to leaving for PSG on deadline day. But, a delay in submitting the documents caused the transfer to collapse. And the Moroccan could exit at the end of the season as well.
Mateo Kovacic emerges as a surprise name, alongside Kalidou Koulibaly. But, the two have been deemed surplus to requirements and offers will be listened to for both players.
Chelsea are also in the process of renewing the contracts of Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante. But, have failed to reach an agreement. As things stand, there is a chance for both midfielders to leave the club if there is no agreement in place for a new deal.
Chelsea could also negotiate a cut price deal for Romelu Lukaku with Inter Milan, given that he has no interest in a future at Stamford Bridge. The striker returned to the club for a record fee, but was loaned back the very next summer, after falling out with the fans over a heated interview.