After two action-packed transfer windows with Todd Boehly at the helm, this summer could be different in what we're used to seeing at Chelsea Football Club.
The Blues have spent almost £600million on 17 new players in the last two transfer windows in what is a new era at Stamford Bridge. However, with so many incomings, there must be some players who go the other way and that's what the plan is this summer.
While there isn't too much to play for in actual footballing terms for Chelsea between now and the end of the season, for some players these last four matches will have a lot to say in their futures. But the reality is there is likely to be 10 or more outgoings at the club over the summer window.
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With that said, football.london has a look at the situation with the current crop of defenders. We've picked out five that have uncertain futures at the club this summer.
Cesar Azpilicueta
The Chelsea captain has been at the club for more than a decade now but his time at Stamford Bridge could be set to come to an end in the next few months. Azpilicueta put pen-to-paper on a two-year extension in August of last year which has ultimately protected his value at the club.
Now 33, his game-time at Chelsea has been limited this season. He would have played even less if it wasn't for consistent injury problems for right-back Reece James. He's played 29 times in all competitions so he remains an important squad player for the Blues but he could look to be sold in the summer otherwise Chelsea risk losing him on a free transfer in just over 12 months' time.
Last summer, there was interest from his homeland of Spain with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both reaching out to his entourage. Such interest is expected to resurface this summer and Chelsea would not be against moving the club legend on as they look to significantly trim their squad.
Lewis Hall
The 18-year-old has broken into the Chelsea first-team squad this season and has impressed along the way. Hall usually plays as a central midfielder for the club's Under-23s but as is the case with so many youngsters who break into Premier League senior sides, he has been used as a full-back.
But the next couple of seasons for the teenager are going to be absolutely crucial for his development and a loan move may be more beneficial in that regard. Chelsea could also look to loan him out and ensure he plays in the centre of midfield at perhaps a Premier League side or a Championship team.
Marc Cucurella
It's been an extremely disappointing debut season for Cucurella at Chelsea after signing for around £60million last summer. The former Brighton defender has struggled to adapt to life at Stamford Bridge, albeit in a team that has been poor this term.
The summer is set to be a big one for the Spaniard. Chelsea could admit their mistake and look to sell on the left-back while he still has some value or the club could aim to keep him on with the hope that he adapts better in his second season.
Kalidou Koulibaly
It's a similar situation for Koulibaly. The 31-year-old defender was signed last summer with huge expectations after such an impressive eight-year spell with Napoli in Italy. Despite featuring 22 times for the Blues in the Premier League, he is yet to cement his spot as one of the most trusted defenders at the club.
Koulibaly's reputation remains high so he will have no shortage of suitors and football.london understands there is interest from Italy, although the specific clubs are unknown at this stage. Again, it's up to Chelsea and more specifically the new manager, which could be Mauricio Pochettino, to decide whether he gets another season to prove himself or whether the club will look to get some of the £34m they spent on him back.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has been a bit-part player for the majority of this season at Chelsea. He has impressed when called upon, though, which make his squad role a bit baffling. There has always been interest in the 23-year-old defender from around Europe and that won't change in the summer.
In an ideal world, the centre-back, who is signed on at Chelsea until the summer of 2028, would like to stay at Stamford Bridge. However, game-time has to be a consideration at this stage of his career and unfortunately for him he has an immense amount of competition in his position at Chelsea, such as Benoit Badiashile, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana.
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