Chelsea want to put this bad season behind them and are already thinking about next season. A year that could start with a big change in the squad, as there are several names that have sounded to leave the Blues, while in terms of arrivals, only Nkunku has joined (not counting those returning from his loan spell).
The 2022-23 season is now history. It has not been an easy year at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, despite having one of the best squads in the league, have looked so poor on the pitch that they are out of European competition for next season.
The London club want to wipe the slate clean and focus on the 2023/24 season as soon as possible. The transfer market is the best way to do that. However, they want to operate in a different way to last season, when they made up to 13 signings between the summer and winter transfer window and invested several million euros.
Chelsea are in ‘thrifty’ mode, or at least they are more cautious when it comes to new signings. So far, only Pochettino and Nkunku have been the only additions to the squad (not counting those who will return from loan), while in terms of departures, there are several names that are being mentioned to leave Stamford Bridge.
One of those who is already known to be leaving is Joao Felix, who was on loan from Atletico Madrid and whose signing is unlikely to happen. The same goes for Denis Zakaria, who will return to Juventus. On the other hand, there is N’Golo Kante, who recently signed for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Mateo Kovacic, who is out of contract in 2024, is set to join Manchester City. He could be followed by Kai Havertz, who seems to have everything agreed with another of the city’s teams, Arsenal.
Aubameyang and Azpilicueta have also been linked with a move and do not seem to have the confidence of the new coach. Neither does Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is expected to return from loan at Bayer Leverkusen. Another returning from his loan spell is Lukaku, but his future is unlikely to be at Stamford Bridge next season.
A separate section deserves the Saudi Arabian fever, where the Gabonese player could also enter. Three more players could follow in Kante’s footsteps: Koulibaly, Mendy and Ziyech.
Mason Mount is another talent in the English top flight. Also under contract until 2024, the Briton could remain in the Premier League, but at Manchester United, who have shown great interest in acquiring his services.
Not making much of an impact, but also present are Christian Pulisic and Conor Gallagher. The American has been on the transfer list for some time, while the midfielder has attracted a lot of interest.
Last but not least are Chalobah and Loftus Cheek. Both could be destined for Serie A, where Inter, Juve and Milan are interested in signing them.
In short, Chelsea have begun a kind of change from born buyer to seller. A new formula that hopes to bring all the success that has not been achieved this season back to Stamford Bridge, as well as recoup some of the high investment made.
