Chelsea’s exodus! Blues could move on EIGHT first-team players

Chelsea’s exodus! Blues could move on EIGHT first-team players this summer after unbelievable spending spree under Todd Boehly

Chelsea could see as many as eight first team players depart in the coming weeks as the club look to balance their bloated squad amid more signings

Chelsea are aiming to trim down their 40-strong squad before the end of the summer despite agreeing a deal to sign Pedro Neto from Wolves this week. The Blues have already banished Trevoh Chalobah from training to try and force his exit and The Telegraph have named eight players who face uncertain futures going into the final few weeks of the transfer window.

Chelsea’s priority is understood to be to ship out Romelu Lukaku permanently, with Napoli still keen on signing the striker. David Datro Fofana will also depart before next month, while Cesare Casadei has been told he can leave Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation also requires tuning, with Kepa Arrizabalaga entering the final 12 months of his contract and Djordje Petrovic available after the signing of Filip Jorgensen. Carney Chukwuemeka has also attracted the attention of Barcelona and youngsters Marc Guiu and Lesley Ugochukwu are also expected to depart on loan.

Chelsea have spent more than €1.2 billion (£1.03bn/$1.3bn) on players since their takeover in 2022 – nearly double the next highest team in world football during that time, with Boehly signing no less than 40 players in his two years at Stamford Bridge.

While the focus will primarily be on outgoings, Chelsea have not ruled out bringing in addition to Neto before the window slams shut. The signing of Victor Osimhen is still being considered despite a deal for Samu Omorodion being at an advanced stage, while an exit for a player such as Raheem Sterling or Noni Madueke could see Chelsea dip into the market for a replacement.