According to a recent report by Football.London, Premier League giants Chelsea could be on the verge of a massive summer clear-out, with the futures of up to 22 players being considered. The report has touted the Blues to still be active in the transfer market, albeit for the opposite of what they’ve done so far this summer. While the possibility of Declan Rice arriving from West Ham United hasn’t been ruled out, it’s been claimed that a mass exodus could be on the horizon within the Chelsea first-team.
Although the report has claimed that Chelsea could offload up to 22 players before deadline day, how many they can actually cash in on will be intriguing to see. While several players could be shipped out on loan, others are likely to sold permanently. Chelsea are one of the few clubs in Europe who’ve been able to use the summer transfer window in an efficient manner this season. Frank Lampard’s team have strengthened in various key areas, including attack, midfield, defence, and even in between the sticks.
How Has Chelsea’s Season Gone So Far?
The London club had what was undoubtedly the most exciting transfer window out of all the teams in the Premier League, and with good reason. The signings of players like Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Timo Werner were all massive strides, and the list didn’t end there. Hakim Ziyech, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr, Edouard Mendy and Xavier Mbuyamba were all brought in this summer as well. Despite all of this, Lampard’s men haven’t started the season in the strongest possible fashion.
An opening day win against Brighton was backed up by a defeat to Liverpool, followed by a 3-3 draw against West Bromwich Albion. Add in the Carabao Cup exit to Tottenham as well, and it could be said that Chelsea’s season has kicked off on the wrong foot. The Blues’ argument will be that a number of the first-team signings are yet to make their league debuts. For all the money they’ve spent though, it’s essential for a massive club like Chelsea to generate some amount of income through player sales to balance the books.
Chelsea Could Offload Up To 22 Players Before Deadline Day: Here Are 3 Sales Lampard Must Prioritise
Danny Drinkwater
The English midfielder was brought in from Leicester City on the back of the Foxes’ memorable title triumph all those years ago. Although N’Golo Kante was brought in for the same reason as well, comparing the pair’s Chelsea careers would be unfair to the World Cup winner’s talents. The 30-year-old spent a chunk of last season on loan at Aston Villa, only to get into a massive quarrel and be sent back at the end of it. Now 30 and still a part of the Chelsea books, the likelihood of Drinkwater ever playing a game for Chelsea again is very unlikely.
Marcos Alonso
The Spanish speedster has been one of Chelsea’s most influential players over the last few years – be it positively or negatively. The former Fiorentina man starred in Antonio Conte’s setup, but since the Italian mastermind left, he has struggled to nail down a spot. While there’s no denying the fact that Alonso can be an extremely dangerous asset while going forward, his defensive fragility makes him surplus to requirements at Chelsea. His recent display in the draw against West Brom might’ve come as the last straw, as he was hauled off at half-time by a raging Frank Lampard.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The Englishman was once among the most exciting youngsters in the Chelsea squad, but a couple of injury-hit seasons have managed to stall his development. Despite getting the odd opportunity under Lampard, including the opening match of the new league season, Loftus-Cheek has failed to live up to the billing. Despite this, it must be conceded that he could still come good for the Blues, but regular game time is something that Chelsea just cannot offer him. A loan move to a club where he would be a valued midfielder could be the right thing for Lampard to do in this current predicament.
