Chelsea
manager Thomas Tuchel is prepared to offload a number of fringe players amid
speculation of a major squad overhaul in the summer transfer window.
Despite
spending over £200 million on six players including Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech
and Timo Werner last summer, the Blues have endured a sub-par domestic
campaign, which ultimately led to Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as manager at
Frank Lampard’s expense in January.
According
to the Mirror, as many as nine players are likely to be up for sale come the
end of the season, with Tuchel looking to bring in a new array of players to
build a title-winning side.
Tammy
Abraham, who’s currently facing a spell on the sidelines owing to a knee
injury, has been left ‘confused’ by his situation under Tuchel with him not
being considered in favour despite his impressive numbers so far this campaign.
The
England international has two years left on his current deal at Stamford
Bridge, but with there being the heavy talk of a possible move for the likes of
Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku in the summer, the 23-year-old could bd
farewell to his boyhood club.
Ross
Barkley, who’s made quite an impression after a string of stellar
attacking displays during his loan spell at Aston Villa this season, could seal
a permanent move to Dean Smith’s side past this season, along with Abraham,
who’s been linked with a switch to Villa, as per Birmingham Mail.
Kepa
Arrizabalaga, who’s been handed a new lease of life at Chelsea by Tuchel,
could be shown the door after seasons in west London.
The
Spaniard, whose current deal runs till 2025, could end up staying put should
Willy Caballero depart the club at the end of the season, but he will only
serve as back-up to Edouard Mendy, who’s brought a sense of calmness and
assurance to the position since his arrival from Rennes last summer.
It may be
worth noting, however, that Mendy’s status as the first-choice goalkeeper has been
in doubt as well with there being several reports during recent months claiming
that the board will look to invest in a world-class goalkeeper such as
Gianluigi Donnarumma next season.
Jorginho,
who’s often been rumoured with a return to Italy in recent months, is one of
the players who could seal a move away from Stamford Bridge with just one year
left on his contract, despite him being admired by Tuchel.
With
Mateo Kovačić and N’Golo Kanté more reliable picks in the middle of the park,
Tuchel wouldn’t mind letting him leave for the right amount with his side.
However,
his recent marks and that of his agent deny the possibility of a move in the
near future, but it wouldn’t cause much of a surprise if Chelsea were to cash
in on him in the summer.
Others
who have question marks surrounding their future at the club past this summer
are Emerson Palmieri, Antonio Rüdiger, Fikayo Tomori, Ruben
Loftus-Cheek and Michy Batshuayi.
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