Thomas Tuchel is expected to allow a number of players to leave Chelsea this summer as his rebuild continues ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The Blues were thrashed 4-0 by Arsenal in pre-season on Sunday and it has sparked plenty of concern amongst their fanbase, with just two weeks to go until their Premier League opener against Everton. Tuchel blasted his players for their lack of commitment after the game. This followed up a 1-1 draw against MLS side Charlotte just three days earlier - a performance that also did not catch the eye.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester United have had impressive pre-seasons and both are unbeaten from their friendly matches, playing the type of football supporters would want to see. Although it is only pre-season, Chelsea fans are concerned with the lack of progress, having only made two signings in the form of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly. More are expected through the door, though, with Jules Kounde among those linked.
However, Chelsea need to offload players in the transfer window as well and it is being reported that five players hope to depart Stamford Bridge. As revealed by Mirror Football's Darren Lewis, captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso both want to join Barcelona, Hakim Ziyech wants to go to AC Milan, while Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic both are keen for more regular game time.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christiansen left the Blues at the end of their contracts in June, while Romelu Lukaku has re-joined Inter Milan on loan for the season. Chelsea have been boosted by the return of Conor Gallagher, though, and he will be hoping to force his way into the side.
It is those five wanting to leave that could free up funds for incomings. Azpilicueta has been at the Blues since 2012 and recently marked his decade-long anniversary after joining from Marseille. The 32-year-old has made over 450 appearances for the club and will go down as one of the Blues' best-ever servants even if he decides to join Barca.
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Alonso is another player tipped to join the Catalan giants which would bring an end to his six-year spell at the Blues. He has scored some vital goals including two away at Tottenham Hotspur as Chelsea went on to lift the Premier League during the 2016/17 campaign.
Ziyech, on the other hand, has struggled since his big-money move from Ajax in 2020, scoring just 14 times in 83 appearances. The Moroccan could be set to join AC Milan with the Serie A champions keen to sign the player.
Following Sterling's arrival to the Blues, Werner and Pulisic could both be starved of first-team minutes this season, especially with Kai Havertz set to lead the line. Potential destinations for the pair have not been named although it is unlikely both will be sold this summer.
