Chelsea have a few defenders who are set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
For example, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi and Alfie Gilchrist could all depart Chelsea before the transfer window closes.
Chilwell has been the subject of a Burnley enquiry, while Disasi is attracting interest from Newcastle United.
As for Gilchrist, he could also leave Chelsea for another English club, though it is likely to be one from the Championship.
Alfie Gilchrist of Sheffield United applauds the fans
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Chelsea could offload Alfie Gilchrist next week
Some Chelsea fans do not want to see Gilchrist depart, but that now looks like an inevitability.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed on X that movement on a Gilchrist exit next week is possible, meaning that the defender could be at a Championship club before the start of the new Championship season.
According to Jacobs, multiple teams from the division are “keen” on Gilchrist, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United.
Alfie Gilchrist’s Sheffield United record Appearances Goals Assists Yellow cards Red Cards
Championship 30 0 2 5 0
FA Cup 1 0 0 0 0
Carabao Cup 1 0 0 0 0
Total 32 0 2 5 0
Before then, the 21-year-old did spend some time in Chelsea’s first team, where he managed to impress.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
When former Blue Andy Townsend spoke about Gilchrist before his move to United, he said: “A young player there that was starting to make ground last season. I was really impressed with him when I watched him. I thought he was excellent.”
Coming through Chelsea’s academy, it is no surprise that some supporters are against the idea of selling him.
But with Enzo Maresca having plenty of options in central defence and at right-back, there is no room for the Englishman.
Alfie Gilchrist of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Four English clubs keen on Alfie Gilchrist
Gilchrist will at least have several clubs to choose from ahead of his impending departure.
At least four Championship sides are said to want Gilchrist: Derby County, Watford, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers.
The former United loanee may want to test himself properly in the Premier League, but he may have to wait until the 2026/27 season to do that. As of now, he does not appear to be attracting any significant interest from a top-flight outfit.
That is good news for the likes of Middlesbrough and Watford as they continue to target the Chelsea academy product.