A few of Chelsea’s first-team players could be seen departing the club before the transfer window deadline on January 31 after Graham Potter’s side welcomed a host of incomings this month.
Chelsea have been by far the biggest spenders in the mid-season window as the club’s co-owner Todd Beohly looked to bolster a squad that has failed to impress this term with the Blues sitting mid-table in the Premier League standings.
With the new signings expected to secure regular game time for the struggling Blues, heading out the exit door at Stamford Bridge could be some big-name players who have been linked with moves elsewhere of late.
Here are four players we reckon could be seen leaving the Chelsea fold ahead of Tuesday’s deadline day –
1. Hakim Ziyech
Despite joining the club in 2020, Ziyech has failed to cement his berth on the starting team sheet for Chelsea who are reportedly open to parting ways with the former Ajax playmaker in the January window.
Recent rumors have suggested that the west Londoners have set an asking price of £17.5 million for Ziyech with Serie A giants AS Roma credited with an interest in moving in for the player’s signature.
Ziyech’s stellar run of showings at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with his nation Morocco, who emerged as the surprise package of the tournament with their run to the semi-finals, have ignited interest from top clubs across Europe in the Chelsea man.
2. Conor Gallagher
The promising midfielder was tipped for a bright future in the Chelsea shirt upon his return to the Bridge last summer from a fantastic loan spell at Crystal Palace.
Gallagher, however, has not been able to impress both Thomas Tuchel as well as his successor in the Chelsea dugout, Graham Potter, with the England international expected to fall victim to Chelsea’s inflated squad following a busy month on the transfer front for the Blues.
Newcastle United and Gallagher’s former loan club Palace have been keeping tabs on the 22-year-old as Chelsea could choose to cash in on Gallagher to balance their books.
3. Edouard Mendy
A shocking departure from the Chelsea camp could come in the shape of former first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who has struggled for regular first-team action as well as injury troubles this season.
Mendy’s future at Stamford Bridge was subject to serious speculation recently with the Senegal shot-stopper turning down a new deal from Chelsea with the player holding out for improved terms on par with the No.1 Kepa.
The 30-year-old has undergone surgery on a finger injury that has sidelined him since the turn of the year with Chelsea’s club’s medical department working with Mendy during his rehabilitation phase.
4. Ruben Loftus-Cheek
To his credit, Loftus-Cheek has always proven to be a reliable option for Chelsea managers but the England midfielder remains a long shot away from ensuring regular game time under his belt.
With Chelsea very much in the market for a new midfielder before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night, Loftus-Cheek could be looking for the exit route to get his career back on track.
Newcastle United have been considered one of the contenders for the 27-year-old’s signature should he decide on leaving the Blues in the near future.
