Romelu Lukaku and 12 Others on Chelsea’s Exit List As Enzo Maresca Plans Major Clearout
- Chelsea are looking to reduce their wage bill, and a flurry of players could be facing a potential exit from the club
- According to reports, as many as 12 players, including Romelu Lukaku, could be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer
- YEN.com.gh shines a spotlight on the list of players who might bid farewell to the West London club ahead of the new season
The summer transfer window at Chelsea is set to become increasingly dynamic, even after a flurry of new signings.
The Premier League club, known for their aggressive acquisition strategy over the past two years, is now focusing on trimming their squad before the new season kicks off.
Chelsea's head coach, Enzo Maresca, has suggested that several players might leave, including Ben Chilwell, about whom he remained notably vague when questioned.
Source: Getty Images
According to a recent report from Mirror UK, the club's hierarchy is considering offloading as many as 12 players before the season begins.
In this context, YEN.com.gh highlights the players who might be leaving Chelsea this summer.
12 players who could be leaving Chelsea this summer
Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian has got to be the biggest 'elephant in the room' regarding players poised to leave Chelsea.
Reports have surfaced about a potential return to Italy for the forward, who has struggled to find his place in Chelsea’s blue jersey.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The shot-stopper, entering the final year of his contract with Chelsea, is another player likely to bid farewell to the West London club. However, Kepa’s future remains uncertain, as his preferred option of returning to Real Madrid appears to be diminishing with time.
David Datro Fofana
The young Ivorian is also expected to be shown the exit by Coach Maresca. Fofana spent last season on loan at Burnley, and another loan spell for the former Union Berlin forward isn’t ruled out.
Armando Broja
The Albanian forward seems poised to leave Chelsea this summer, potentially on a permanent transfer. Broja has struggled to fit into the team’s demands and style since his return in 2022.
Cesare Casadei
The Italian is another player who is expected to leave Chelsea this summer. The former Inter Milan midfielder is reportedly attracting transfer interest from his native Italy.
Trevor Chalobah
The defender could also be on the exit list after being omitted from the team’s preseason squad in the United States. Chalobah has also seen limited game time in recent months.
Conor Gallagher
The 24-year-old also looks likely to leave, as he may not fit into Coach Maresca’s plans. Gallagher is strongly considering an exit, with potential moves to Tottenham or Atlético Madrid not ruled out.
Ben Chilwell
The former Leicester City defender appears poised to leave Chelsea four years after joining the club. Injuries have hampered Chilwell’s stint, and it seems the club might look to offload his substantial wages.
Djordje Petrovic
The shot-stopper also looks set to depart Stamford Bridge. The Serbian, who impressed during the 2023/24 season, was recently left out of the club’s preseason tour in the United States.
Malang Sarr
The French U23 international recently had his contract terminated with Chelsea, facilitating his transfer to Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens.
Alfie Gilchrist, Andrey Santos, and Lesley Ugochukwu
The young defender Gilchrist could be staring at a possible exit, likely on a loan transfer. The same fate is expected for midfielders Andrey Santos and Lesley Ugochukwu.
Chelsea player fights in pre-season
In another report, YEN.com.gh disclosed that Chelsea's first pre-season game under new head coach Enzo Maresca threatened to descend into chaos after barely two minutes of action.
Levi Colwill was almost caught in possession by James McClean with the Wrexham captain nudging the England international slightly.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender didn't take the action too kindly. A fierce shirt-tugging and pulling ensued as the referee and their teammates struggled to separate them.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
