“Non of them is part of my plan” – Chelsea are now ready to sell £10m-a-year trio in January transfer window
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea Set to Offload Key Squad Members in January
Chelsea Eyeing Premier League Glory
Despite head coach Enzo Maresca’s cautious stance on Chelsea’s Premier League chances, their recent 2-1 victory over Brentford has pushed them to just two points behind Liverpool. The Reds still have a game in hand, but Chelsea’s title aspirations are beginning to look more realistic.
Goals from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson sealed a crucial win for the Blues against their London rivals. The result saw Chelsea move four points clear of Arsenal in third place and establish themselves as Liverpool’s main competition for the title. Notably, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Arne Slot’s team all dropped points over the same weekend, adding extra significance to Chelsea’s performance.
However, Maresca remains grounded, stating, “It’s not about how many games we win. It’s about being realistic. There are things we have to do better. That’s why I said for me we are not ready.”
Chelsea now looks poised to capitalize on their favorable upcoming fixtures, a luxury bolstered by their two-squad system. This setup has mitigated the fatigue that often plagues teams balancing European and domestic competitions. Despite their strong start to the season, the January transfer window presents challenges that could shape their campaign moving forward.
January Departures: Four Players on the Brink
Ben Chilwell Leading the Exit List
Ben Chilwell’s departure seems inevitable in January. The defender has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season, despite being fully fit. After failing to secure a transfer during the summer window, Chelsea is now actively seeking a suitor for Chilwell.
Midfield Trio Also on the Chopping Block
Reports suggest that Chilwell won’t be the only player leaving Stamford Bridge. Midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Cesare Casadei are also likely to be shown the door.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s Short Stint
Dewsbury-Hall, who joined from Leicester City in the summer alongside Maresca, has struggled to find his place in the squad. While Maresca has expressed satisfaction with the midfielder, he remains behind Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia in the pecking order. This has fueled speculation that he may exit as early as January.
Limited Opportunities for Chukwuemeka and Casadei
Chukwuemeka and Casadei have also found game time hard to come by. Chelsea appears ready to part ways with both players, having decided to cut their losses midway through the season.
Financial and Logistical Hurdles
Permanent transfers for the trio may prove challenging due to their combined weekly wages of £188,000, totaling nearly £10 million annually. Chelsea will also aim to recoup a significant portion of the £60 million investment made in the three midfielders.
Loan deals, however, remain a viable alternative. Allowing the players to leave temporarily could accelerate their departures, as several European clubs have already expressed interest.
What Lies Ahead for Chelsea
As Chelsea pushes for Premier League success, the January transfer window promises to be a pivotal moment. While departures could trim the squad, they also present an opportunity to refine the team further. With a clear plan and favorable fixtures on the horizon, the Blues are well-placed to continue their impressive campaign.