Chelsea, under new ownership, are set for a huge summer transfer window. It's one that could ultimately define the next few years for the club.
Everything seems to be nearing the end in regards to the takeover process, something that will come as a huge relief for Chelsea supporters, who have been living in uncertain times recently. A statement from the club on Saturday read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that a final and definitive agreement was entered into last night to sell the Club to the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital consortium. It is expected that the transaction will be completed on Monday."
After a third-placed finish in the Premier League, the Blues are looking to drastically improve their squad to try and bridge the gap to the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. According to recent reports, Boehly is set to hand Thomas Tuchel £200million to spend on improving the squad in the coming months.
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£200m is enough for a few upgrades for Chelsea, but some players may need to be sold in order to fund a revamp. So, with that said, football.london looks at 13 Chelsea players that could be on the move in the summer window.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The Spanish goalkeeper has been strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent months. Ever since Edouard Mendy's arrival in the summer of 2020, the Senegal international has been Tuchel's first-choice option in between the posts.
Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger officially confirmed earlier in the month 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 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. football.london understands that Marc Cucurella is a target for the Blues but Borna Sosa is a more viable option this summer.
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 earlier in the month, 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 also 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 was 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.
