Despite their season derailing injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell, Chelsea have so far resisted the urge to spend big in the January transfer window.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have only won eight of their last 17 matches in all competitions since Chilwell injured his anterior cruciate ligament i n their 4-0 Champions League victory against Juventus in November.
James’ side-lining in the damaging home draw against Brighton and Hove Albion further confounded Chelsea’s issues, leaving them without their two best wing-backs.
Their absence looked likely to trigger a splurge in the summer, yet the Blues’ attention seems to be more focused on the potential departures from the squad.
And as January transfer deadline day descends upon the footballing world, Mirror Football considers six Chelsea players who could leave.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek appeared to have turned a corner at Stamford Bridge when he started five consecutive Premier League matches between November and early December.
However, a frustrating injury, a bout of Coronavirus, and Mateo Kovacic’s long awaited return has consigned him to the bench again.
Reports from Sky Italy claimed Juventus were considering a loan move for the Englishman earlier in the window, as a possible replacement for Arthur Melo, who was being monitored by Arsenal.
But with Mikel Arteta’s side reportedly continuing their pursuit of the Brazilian, and Aston Villa appearing to chase Rodrigo Bentancur, there is every possibility that Juventus could revive their interest in Loftus-Cheek.
Ross Barkley
The Telegraph understands Frank Lampard could seek a reunion with Ross Barkley, should the former Chelsea boss complete his move to Everton in time.
Barkley’s best spell at Stamford Bridge, which saw him contribute five goals and five assists and force his way back into England contention came under Lampard’s reign.
The Toffees are currently short in midfield options having lost Abdoulaye Doucoure and Fabian Delph to injury, and Lampard is more than aware of Barkley’s goalscoring capabilities from midfield.
Despite some great cameos for the Blues this season, Barkley is very far from Tuchel’s plans – a fresh start back at his hometown club could very well be the solution he needs.
Armando Broja
Armando Broja has been exciting Chelsea fans with his impressive performances on loan at Southampton.
However, it appears the Saints are just as excited by his progress, as transfer guru Fabrizio Romano understands Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are plotting a club record £25m bid for the striker.
The 20-year-old Albanian his enjoying the best run of form of his senior career, having scored five Premier League goals for the Saints.
And with £98m man Romelu Lukaku still leading the Chelsea line, Broja has every reason to question the opportunities he would receive at Chelsea.
Andreas Christensen
With his contract set to expire in the summer, Andreas Christensen’s future at Chelsea remains a huge sticking point at the club.
The Danish central defender has flourished under Tuchel, developing his all-round game to become one of Chelsea’s most consistent defenders.
However, his contract demands are reportedly proving to be so much of a problem, that the prospect of him leaving at the end of the season is becoming more likely
Reports from Sky Deutschland understand the former Borussia Monchengladbach defender has been earmarked by Bayern Munich, as a replacement for the out-going Niklas Sule.
Tino Anjorin
Tino Anjorin could be set for a second loan spell of the season, after returning from Russian giants Lokomotiv Moscow.
The youngster started the first seven league matches of the season, but an injury sustained in November has resulted in him returning to Stamford Bridge.
However, GOAL, via ESPN, understand the Englishman could be set for another loan move in the Championship, shortly after his spell in Russia was cut short.
He is still some way off the first team at Stamford Bridge, meaning another temporary spell for much needed first team experience will likely be the next step for Anjorin.
Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger is another vital defender who currently appears set for a free transfer at the end of the season.
Rudiger has gone from bench warmer under Lampard to absolutely undroppable under Tuchel.
However, the prospect of letting one of the best defenders in world football leave for a free transfer, could very well be too unpalatable for Chelsea.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have all expressed an interest in signing the experienced German at the end of his deal.
However, his status as one of the most in-form defenders on the planet could prompt action from football’s giants.
Unless he agrees a new contract at Stamford Bridge, Transfer deadline day is Chelsea’s last chance to extract a transfer fee from the German.
