As the summer transfer window inches ever closer to its conclusion, there is still much to be done by new Chelsea co-owner and interim sporting director Todd Boehly. And the American billionaire's focus will be on outgoings as much as incomings over the next two weeks.
Thomas Tuchel's squad needs trimming down. That much is clear. So far, club-record signing Romelu Lukaku has returned to Inter Milan on a season-long loan deal, Timo Werner has rejoined RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £25million, and Malang Sarr has moved to Monaco for the 2022/23 campaign.
There were also the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers back in July; the former opted to sign a deal with Barcelona while the latter, despite the efforts of Chelsea prior to the club being sanctioned, agreed a lucrative four-year contract with Real Madrid.
READ MORE Wesley Fofana grows frustrated as Chelsea ramp up Anthony Gordon transfer interest
Signings have been added – Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka and Raheem Sterling – and more are expected in the next fortnight. That could trigger further exits from Stamford Bridge with several players desperate to play regular first-team football ahead of the winter World Cup in Qatar, which begins on November 20.
"The players are very focused on this World Cup already, which is a good thing because they come in shape and take care of themselves," said Tuchel. “It is also a bad thing. They are focused on the World Cup and not here. A part of them, I have a feeling, is already thinking about November. We will see how it influences the players and the performances."
So who could be heading out the door at Chelsea before the transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1? football.london has the rundown – and there are plenty of players to discuss.
HAVE YOUR SAY - Let us know your thoughts on Chelsea's transfer business by leaving a comment
Let's start with the world's most expensive goalkeeper: Kepa Arriazabalga. The Spaniard is very much deputy to Edouard Mendy and wants to move on in search of first-team football in an effort to make a late push for Spain's World Cup squad.
What makes an exit for Kepa problematic is his wages; the 27-year-old earns around £190,000 a week at Stamford Bridge and there is no club willing to take that on. Serie A side Napoli have held talks over a deal with Chelsea but no agreement has been reached as there remains an impasse over how much of the goalkeeper's salary would continue to be paid by the Blues.
At left wing-back, there are players to move on. Marcos Alonso is not currently training with the Chelsea squad as he awaits a move to Barcelona to be finalised. And Emerson Palmieri, as reported by football.london yesterday, has interest from London rivals West Ham United, who are understood to have submitted a £13million bid. Forgotten man Kenedy is also free to move on.
The future of Chelsea's breakout star of the 2021/22 season, Trevoh Chalobah, is also in limbo. The 23-year-old hasn't featured in either of the Blues' opening two games of the campaign, with Reece James selected at right centre-back ahead of Chalobah against Tottenham.
Fofana's potential arrival would push the academy graduate further down the pecking order and football.london understands there are several clubs across European football's top five leagues keeping a close eye on the defender's situation at Stamford Bridge as deadline day approaches.
Ethan Ampadu is in a similar situation. The Wales international looked sharp in pre-season but wasn't officially handed a squad number by Chelsea for this season. He continues to train with the first-team group and while no firm decision has yet been taken as to what Ampadu's next step is, he is not short of interest from across Europe after impressing on loan at Venezia last term.
Further forward, Ross Barkley will be allowed to leave for a nominal fee if a buyer can be found while football.london understands Billy Gilmour has loan options on the table. The Scotland international is keen to make the right move after a difficult 2021/22 campaign with Norwich City.
In the Chelsea attack, Callum Hudson-Odoi is pushing for a move away from Stamford Bridge, either permanently or on loan. There is Premier League interest while Borussia Dortmund, who tried to sign the winger last summer, remain in the hunt for the 21-year-old's signature.
Hakim Ziyech has been an unused substitute in Chelsea's opening two Premier League fixtures and is hopeful of moving away from Stamford Bridge. AC Milan held talks over a deal for the 29-year-old earlier in the summer but no move came to fruition. Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is understood to be an admirer.
Christian Pulisic is open to a departure but Chelsea have not yet received a firm bid for the American star. Michy Batshuayi, meanwhile, will be allowed to move on if the Blues receive a firm offer for the Belgian striker.
RATE CHELSEA'S TRANSFER BUSINESS - Use our widget below to say whether each Chelsea deal has been good or bad
READ NEXT :
Thomas Tuchel risks ruining Chelsea reputation with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer pursuit
Thomas Tuchel repeats Vinicius Jnr trick to uncover £40m Chelsea transfer solution vs Spurs
Timo Werner Chelsea fate exposes wider transfer mistake that Todd Boehly cannot repeat
Callum Hudson-Odoi Dortmund talks could finally end Chelsea's £150m transfer dead-end
- Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
