Chelsea are reportedly willing to consider offers for all but two of their stars in a potential rebuild this summer. The Blues do not want to risk ‘unrest’ when a large squad gathers for pre-season training at Cobham for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Despite trimming their first-team ranks over the last couple of years, Enzo Maresca still oversees a large group of players. That will be bolstered further by the return of at least 12 loanees, in addition to any new signings. Chelsea are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window, with a new centre-forward reportedly high on their agenda.
According to the BBC, only Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo are completely safe from the chop. Palmer, Chelsea’s best player for the past two seasons, recently signed a bumper contract extension until 2033.
Caicedo has reported interest from Saudi Arabia but Chelsea do not want to sell the midfielder. He was a British-record £115million signing from Brighton two years ago.
Offers could reportedly be considered for several other stars. However, there are some players for whom Chelsea will only accept astronomical fees. That is the case for Enzo Fernandez, who has interest from Real Madrid. It is claimed that the Spanish side will need to trump the £107m Chelsea paid to sign the Argentine from Benfica in 2023.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah is said to be one of the players who could be sold. He was recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace in January, but he will likely only be a back-up option next season.
Christopher Nkunku has reported interest from abroad. The Frenchman has struggled at Stamford Bridge since his £60m arrival two years ago. He suffered a hamstring injury upon his signing from RB Leipzig and Maresca has failed to find a place in his team for the 27-year-old.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling will reportedly be told to find a new club when he returns from his loan at Arsenal, who are unlikely to make the deal permanent. The England international has two years remaining on his £300,000-per-week contract, which could make selling him tough.
Chelsea are expected to strengthen their forward line in the summer. Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have all been strongly linked.