Chelsea are set to lose a host of players when the summer transfer window opens as a new era approaches for the club. Todd Boehly's consortium are now closer than ever to completing the takeover of the Blues and will be hoping to do so by the time the transfer window officially opens.
Thomas Tuchel's team secured third-place with a point against Leicester City on Thursday evening, but there's still a considerable gap between Chelsea and second-placed Liverpool. 18 points to be exact as we head into the final round of fixtures of the 2021/22 Premier League season this weekend.
With the club now close to being taken over, Tuchel was asked about what Chelsea's summer transfer budget will be in a recent press conference. The Blues head coach has not yet been briefed on how much the club will spend in the transfer market, though.
READ MORE: 'Then I met N'Golo!' - Antonio Rudiger confirms Chelsea departure in passionate statement
"We feel like spectators and this is a passive role we do not like," Tuchel said on the takeover process. "It feels a bit strange. Summer transfer budget? I don't know how much it will be, as of today."
The likelihood is that Chelsea will need to spend some serious money just to replace the players that will be leaving the club. As well as this, there's got to be a plan in place to try and upgrade the squad to reduce the gap to Liverpool and Man City.
So, with this being said, football.london takes a look at 12 Chelsea players that have uncertain futures at the club ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. Of course, this does not mean all of the listed players will leave, it's more of a round-up of their current situations.
Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger officially confirmed on Friday morning that he would be leaving Chelsea when his contract expires at the end of next month. It's news that Blues supporters have known for a short while now, with the German said to be close to agreeing a move to Real Madrid.
It won't be easy to replace someone of Rudiger's ability. The Germany international has come on leaps and bounds since Tuchel took charge of the club in January 2021.
Andreas Christensen
Similarly to Rudiger, his defensive partner Christensen will also depart the club at the end of the season. The Dane is yet to officially announce his exit, but is expected to leave Chelsea after the end of June.
Marcos Alonso
Alonso, who scored Chelsea's only goal of the game in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Leicester, has just over 12 months remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard has contributed with some crucial goals for the club this season but has once again struggled defensively, leaving him open to plenty of criticism from the supporters.
Barcelona are said to be very keen on signing the left-back, with a return to Spain possibly on the cards. Chelsea may want to add another left-back to their ranks before offloading Alonso, though.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Another man who is wanted by Barcelona. The Chelsea captain recently triggered a one-year extension on his contract in west London thanks to an appearance-based clause.
Azpilicueta is now signed with the club until the summer of 2023 at least, which protects his value somewhat. Tuchel recently revealed that it is up to the Spaniard whether he stays or leaves this summer.
N'Golo Kante
Tuchel issued somewhat of a rallying cry on Thursday night, stating Kante's continued importance to his team. The France international has just over 12 months remaining on his contract with Chelsea and has been strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer.
Plenty of clubs have been linked with a move for Kante, including Manchester United recently. The Blues, though, would surely be reluctant to offload him to a Premier League rival.
Jorginho
Like his team-mate Kante, Jorginho too sees his contract expire at the end of next season. Juventus are said to be interested in the Italian midfielder this summer.
Saul Niguez
Saul signed on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day last summer. Things have not gone to plan for the Spaniard, though, during his short stint at Stamford Bridge and he is expected to return to Atletico Madrid at the end of the campaign.
Ross Barkley
Barkley has just over a year remaining on his current Chelsea contract and the Liverpool-born midfielder could be on the lookout for another club. The 28-year-old has featured just five times in the Premier League for the Blues this season.
Kenedy
Kenedy was recalled from his loan spell with Flamengo back in January to provide cover for Alonso following the season-ending injury Ben Chilwell suffered. The Brazilian, however, has featured just twice for Chelsea in all competitions - with both of his outings coming in the FA Cup.
Hakim Ziyech
Ziyech made a rare Premier League start when Chelsea drew with Leicester on Thursday. The Moroccan has started most matches on the bench this season and is reported to be frustrated with his lack of game time. There have been continuous links with a move to Italy.
Timo Werner
Werner's future at Chelsea is uncertain as we approach the summer transfer window. The German started to show some rare form in front of goal last month but has tailed off again recently.
A move back to the Bundesliga appears to be the most likely destination for the speedy Germany international. Werner, 26, still has around three years of his Chelsea deal left to run.
Romelu Lukaku
Like Werner, there's been a recent resurgence from Lukaku. The club's record signing has disappointed this season after being snapped up for close to £100million last summer.
A return to Inter Milan - on loan, albeit - has been touted in recent weeks. If Chelsea were to make any big-money signing this summer, then offloading Lukaku could be key in doing so.
