Chelsea are set for a busy summer of outgoings as they look to trim the squad following several signings in the last two transfer windows.
The Blues have brought in 16 new players in the last six months for a total spend of more than £500million, with Christopher Nkunku of Red Bull Leipzig also expected to add to that number ahead of next season. Chelsea have not brought in a great deal from player sales in that time either and this summer is set to represent the perfect opportunity for Graham Potter to streamline his squad.
Given the sheer volume of players currently on the books at Stamford Bridge, there are a number of big-name players who could be in the firing line. So, with that in mind, here is a look at five of the most likely who could depart.
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Christian Pulisic
Following an impressive World Cup campaign with the USA, Pulisic returned to west London in fine form and was rewarded with a run of three successive starts upon the resumption of the Premier League season. However, it was a familiar old tale for Pulisic as he picked up an injury against Manchester City that has kept him out since the end of December.
Since then, Chelsea have brought in Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke to strengthen their options out wide, with another January arrival Joao Felix also capable of playing there. With Raheem Sterling and Hakim Ziyech also at Potter's disposal, Pulisic just won't receive the game time he needs to find his rhythm and so a summer departure could suit all parties.
Cesar Azpilicueta
With Chelsea set to boast two of the best young right backs in world football from next season, it could be time to say goodbye to club legend Azpilicueta. The 33-year-old has made over 500 appearances for the Blues but there are now question marks as to whether he is still good enough for the very top.
Chelsea completed the signing of Lyon's teenaged right back Malo Gusto in January for the summer, who will provide top level competition for Reece James. Azpilicueta will still have a year left on his deal at the end of the season, but with so many options now across the backline, game time will be at a premium.
Romelu Lukaku
Probably forgotten by many that he is still on the books at Stamford Bridge, Lukaku will surely be on his way out permanently in the summer. Lukaku is currently on loan at Inter Milan in a deal that did not include an obligation or option to buy and so is likely to return to Chelsea at the end of the season after just one goal in nine Serie A appearances.
The 29-year-old will be on a big contract following his £97.5m arrival in 2021 but Chelsea may have to swallow their pride and sell him for a cut price if they want him off their books completely. It is difficult to see him ever playing for the club again.
Hakim Ziyech
Ziyech's failed move to PSG on deadline day last month is only likely to delay the inevitable ahead of the summer. The Moroccan international was ready and waiting to leave the club but after an error with the paperwork, was forced to stay at Stamford Bridge.
As with Pulisic, Chelsea are now stacked with options out wide and so game time could be harder and harder to come by for Ziyech. That said, he still very much has a part to play between now and the end of the season, particularly in the Champions League, with Madueke not having been named in the squad.
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