REUTERS/David Klein
Chelsea's next exit is becoming clearer after their sale of Trevoh Chalobah to Como. The Blues have agreed a €30million deal with Cesc Fabregas' club to send Chalobah to Italy, with the centre-back slipping down the pecking order following the signing of Maxence Lacroix on a big-money deal from Crystal Palace.
Chalobah has been a reliable operator for Chelsea since being recalled from a Crystal Palace loan spell early last season, but he is not seen as a truly elite centre-back who can be a starter as the Blues look to make that step over the coming months.
Chelsea's next departure becomes clearer
badiashile
Following the departure of Chalobah, Chelsea continue working on exits, hoping to balance their spending having already racked up a massive spending total this summer.
A number of players are expected to leave, and the next could be another centre-back in Benoit Badiashile. Fabrizio Romano reported on YouTube: "Keep an eye on Benoit Badiashile, because Napoli also are genuinely interested in Badiashile. Napoli are talking to the agents of the player and they are keen on the move. Then we have to understand if they can close everything on the formula.
"Napoli want an initial loan for Badiashile, so the will be a conversation between the two clubs about that. But Napoli are keen on Badiashile and so Chelsea could make money from Italy in the next days and weeks."
Badiashile was once seen as an 'important player'
Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile reacts
Badiashile only played eight times in the Premier League for Chelsea last season, and the £31.7million signing does not look as though he has any chance of coming back in to be a starter under Xabi Alonso.
But he has played a big role in the past, making 42 Premier League appearances for the club overall, and during his reign, Enzo Maresca said: "Since I joined the club, every time I have spoken about Benoit I've always said he's an important player and a very good player."
Mauricio Pochettino said during his time at the club: "He is a player with great quality and a very good character.""He gives us the possibility to build from the back in a very good way."
Xabi Alonso smiles in a press conference while working as Real Madrid manager
Xabi Alonso smiles in a press conference while working as Real Madrid manager