It's clear the Blues are facing yet another clear-out regardless of whether they are able to secure Champions League football or not
Despite spending north of £1 billion ($1.3bn) under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's stewardship, Chelsea somehow haven't got it right. As the end of the 2024-25 term draws into view, the Blues' season looked to be unravelling ahead of Sunday's win over Fulham, though the level of performance did little suggest they have the staying power in the Premier League's top-five race.
Regardless, it's becoming increasingly clear the squad needs another summer overhaul rather than simple fine-tuning. Whether under-fire Enzo Maresca will be the man to oversee those changes remains to be seen as the west Londoners battle to secure Champions League qualification, but a hugely underwhelming second half of the campaign has highlighted some serious flaws in their ranks.
As planning begins for next season, Chelsea have as many as 15 players who could, and perhaps should, be deemed expendable, as the club looks to reset as well as raise useful funds. These, then, are the names they ought to be looking to move on when the summer transfer window opens…
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Robert Sanchez
It is painfully, blindingly obvious that Chelsea need a new goalkeeper, and that is almost entirely the result of Robert Sanchez's haphazard displays this season. The Spaniard has the joint-most errors leading to goals in the entire Premier League (five) and he has caused countless heart-in-mouth moments for a wearied fanbase with his loose passing out from the back.
Maresca has consistently jumped to the shot-stopper's defence amid widespread criticism, but repeatedly dropping your so-called first choice isn't sustainable, and there is surely no way the club isn't searching for a new No.1 behind the scenes. They could look internally, with both Djordje Petrovic, who has shone on loan at Strasbourg, and young Belgian Mike Penders joining up with the squad in the summer.
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Kepa Arrizabalaga
Ironically, another Chelsea goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has enjoyed a fine season on loan at Bournemouth, but it's near impossible to see a route back to Stamford Bridge for the £72 million ($91m) man.
Instead, he is certain to form part of the club's summer clear-out, with a permanent move to the Cherries probably the most likely outcome. The sixth-most expensive signing in the Blues' history, they are set to make one hell of a loss.
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Axel Disasi
Although he impressed on occasion in his debut season, Axel Disasi tumbled down the pecking order after Maresca was appointed in the summer, and it's now abundantly clear that his future lies away from Stamford Bridge.
Prone to some inexplicable errors, the centre-back was shipped out on loan to Aston Villa in January where he still isn't a starter, so you'd imagine Chelsea would do well to recoup the £39m ($52m) they spent on him less than two years ago.
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Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin Adarabioyo seemed like a shrewd free signing in the summer when he joined from west London rivals Fulham, but while he has brought experience and some leadership to a young squad, he often hasn't looked cut out for the level Chelsea are aspiring to.
The lumbering centre-half has been caught out both for pace and positionally this season, and with no indication that he is going to become a regular starter, it would make sense to cash in for pure profit in the summer.
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