The seven players that remain in Enzo Maresca's 'bomb squad' have been revealed after an image of their separate changing room went viral on social media. It has been yet another busy summer at Chelsea, with the world champions bringing in a grand total of 10 new players to their already bloated squad – though some of these names are subsequently out on loan.
Regardless, as a result of the influx of new players the club has brought in throughout the Todd Boehly reign, several have been left surplus to requirements and have been left in what has now been referred to as the 'bomb squad' – a collection of stars training away from the rest of the team and earmarked for exits. And it has now been revealed which seven names Maresca wants out of the door ahead of the transfer deadline.
Chelsea's Remaining Outcasts Revealed as Changing Room Emerges
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According to a report from the Telegraph, Raheem Sterling is the unsurprising headline act at Stamford Bridge that Maresca is looking to shift on. Alongside the Premier League winner are Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and possibly Tyrique George and Ansel Aaron Anselmino. The club's preference would be to arrange permanent deals, but loans may also be explored this late into the transfer window.
The information comes after Disasi, who was included in the crop of seven, shared an image of the small changing room that the bomb squad have been left with.
Lesley Ugochukwu is seen in the middle of the photo, but has since departed to join newly-promoted Burnley. Academy graduate Alfie Gilchrist can also be spotted in the far corner of the changing room, while unoccupied spaces for Disasi and Chilwell can also be made out.
The priority would no doubt be to shift on the higher earners, with Sterling and Chilwell at the forefront of that. Both were loaned out last season to Arsenal and Crystal Palace respectively. The former, though, was labelled as the worst signing Mikel Arteta has ever made, while the latter remained a bench player for the FA Cup winners.
Jackson and Nkunku are also surplus to requirements after the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap up top, but neither has found a new club despite interest both inside and outside of England. Chukwuemeka has also been subject to interest from Borussia Dortmund, who he spent a period on loan last season too.
There is more uncertainty regarding Anselmino’s status at the club, but it is believed the Blues would consider his departure even if it isn't the biggest priority.