Big-spending Chelsea could be looking at a major exodus from their squad this coming summer with a host of first-team names likely to leave the club in search of new pastures.
The new Chelsea ownership, led by the American businessman Todd Boehly, took over the west London giants last year and have spent in excess of £600 million spent on new players to bolster the ranks at Stamford Bridge.
With new faces coming through the door, there would certainly be departures from the Chelsea squad over the summer, and few would be surprised to see high profile names calling it quits in the English capital city to make the move elsewhere.
Moreover, there is a new contract policy at the club in which the owners are keen to avoid players entering the final two years of their deals, setting the stage for a few exits in what could all culminate in a major clearout for the under-performing Chelsea who sit in the bottom half of the Premier League standings.
Here are 5 players we believe could leave Chelsea in the 2023 summer transfer window:
1. Cesar Azpilicueta
The skipper has been one of the brightest performers for Chelsea in recent years and despite coming close to signing for Barcelona last summer, the veteran defender had penned a new contract at the Bridge.
This summer, however, Azpilicueta could be willing to switch destinations with the Spain international considering his future at the club for which he has barely played since picking up a head injury in February.
2. Mason Mount
Mount’s future in the Chelsea shirt continues to remain the subject of much speculation since the turn of the year with the playmaker linked with the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
The England midfielder has endured a disappointing season by his standards and with him approaching the final 12 months of his current contract, Chelsea could be forced to cash in him rather than lose for free in 2024.
3. N’Golo Kante
Another of the Blues’ midfield stalwarts, Kante, is yet to agree upon a new contract with the club as he in line to become a free agent this coming summer.
There are reports which suggest that Chelsea are in advanced discussions with the Frenchman over extending his stay but Barcelona remain in the wings for the former Leicester City man’s signature.
4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Gabon striker has been frozen out of the Chelsea first team squad since the turn of the year and it is a certainty that Aubameyang will be leaving the Blues at the end of the season.
Aubameyang remains keen on rejoining his former club Barcelona who are claimed to be stepping up their efforts to re-sign the ex-Arsenal talisman.
5. Reece James
One of the Premier League’s biggest talents, James, has only recently signed a new long-term deal with Chelsea which has put him in the highest earning bracket at the club.
The England wing-back, however, could have his head turned by rumoured interest in his services from Real Madrid who can offer him the chance to play in the Champions League next season.
