Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel’s lineup after the takeover with six changes as three exits are already anticipated
Chelsea is bracing for some key departures in the summer transfer window, with three major contracts expiring.
But it isn’t the only upheaval at Stamford Bridge, where new owners are expected to take over before the start of the upcoming season.
With the club currently sanctioned and unable to spend money, there needs to be some action soon as the transfer window approaches.
Whoever succeeds Roman Abramovich will have a lot on their plate in terms of the squad, which is on the verge of aging and in need of a facelift.
In addition, three exits are already anticipated, forcing Chelsea to enter the transfer market.
Antonio Rudiger is close to signing a contract with Real Madrid, Andreas Christensen has already signed with Barcelona, and Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly set to go.
All three are nearing the conclusion of their contracts, though an extension on the latter’s means the Blues may receive a small pay for his services.
Nonetheless, Chelsea loses their whole back-three from last season’s Champions League final against Manchester City, which they won 1-0.
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues have always been solid defensively, but that may be disintegrating suddenly.
Jules Kounde of Sevilla has long been on the radar at Stamford Bridge, and a deal will now become a priority, as compared to last summer when it was less of a priority.
Wesley Fofana, the star of Leicester City, is also highly regarded, although he could want a high cost to leave the King Power Stadium.
N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, both of whom are out of form and whose contracts expire at the end of next season, have suffered dramatic dips in midfield.
To avoid a similar issue with the current crop of defenders, both their contracts must be finalized promptly, or they may be offloaded for a fee, with PSG and Juventus both interested in Kante and Jorginho, respectively.
Declan Rice is the top midfield target, but with West Ham sticking to their guns, a move for Plan B target Aurelien Tchouameni may be more appropriate.
Conor Gallagher’s outstanding season at Crystal Palace has put him in line to play in Tuchel’s midfield next season, albeit Mateo Kovacic remains his best option.
After a dismal season, Romelu Lukaku’s future will be up in the air this summer, with a return to Inter Milan on the cards – though whether Chelsea can reclaim the £97 million they invested in 2021 appears improbable.
Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech are two potential candidates who could leave under the new government in order to raise finances.
Despite costing the Blues a combined £180 million, the club’s depth up front is so strong that their departures will have minimal influence on its top forwards.
Tuchel’s front three could include Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and one of Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, or the returning Southampton loanee Armando Broja.
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Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel’s lineup after the takeover with six changes as three exits are already anticipated
