With the transfer window set to open for Premier League clubs on 10 June, clubs will be looking at their squads and wondering which players will be around next season. Chelsea in particular have a long list of potential departures as Thomas Tuchel will look to transform his squad going into a new era under new owners.
One player who has renewed his contract in recent months is captain Cesar Azpilicueta, but that does not prevent the 32-year-old from being linked with a move away from west London. It is being reported by the Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona are looking at both Azpilicueta and teammate Marcos Alonso as they look to revamp their defence.
Losing both players would mean that Tuchel would have to work with the new owners in order to build a new defence, with only Ben Chilwell, Trevor Chalobah, Reece James, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva looking likely to remain at the club. The reports say that the pair are 'seduced' by the prospect of playing for Xavi for the Catalan giants.
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This would leave the club with a gargantuan task to replace the duo along with Barca-bound Andreas Christensen and Real Madrid target Antonio Rudiger. Targets are likely to be confirmed once the takeover has been completed meaning that any links would be pure speculation at this stage, however, Emerson Palmieri could be a ready made Alonso replacement as he returns from his Lyon loan.
Also linked with a move away from the club is midfielder Jorginho, who has been touted for a move back to Serie A having lost his place in the Chelsea starting line-up over the course of the season. Todofichajes (via The Sun) report that Juventus have made contact with the midfielder in recent weeks with regards to a return to the country for which he was a part of their Euro 2020 triumph.
In this situation it could be somewhat of an easier transfer to replace, with Connor Gallagher set to return from an impressive loan spell with Crystal Palace. However, this would still leave the club with just four senior central midfielders in the form of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ngolo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Gallagher.
Saul Niguez is unlikely to have his loan deal and will leave a hold for potentially one further midfield signing this summer, although it is unclear which player will fill this role. It is being reported that Juventus could offer Arthur as a makeweight for Jorginho but this may not convince the Chelsea hierarchy with the midfielder out of form since leaving Barcelona.
