Chelsea have had a decent season so far as they currently sit fourth in the Premier League, with a three-point lead over fifth-placed Manchester United.
Due to a two-window transfer ban after 150 rule breaches involving 69 academy players over several seasons, Chelsea couldn’t get anyone on board last summer and were partially handicapped in terms of replacing their top marksman, Eden Hazard, who completed his dream move to Real Madrid.
Inevitably, manager Frank Lampard had to rely more on youth power, which ensured the rise of several starlets like Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori among others.
Although the ban was reduced by the Court of Arbitration of Sports back in December, Chelsea didn’t sign anyone in the winter transfer window; such has been the impact of their budding talents.
With elimination from the UEFA Champions League looming on the horizon, following their 3-0 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 first leg, Chelsea’s season is far from over as they remain in contention in the FA Cup and are still in the race to secure a top-four finish to ensure Champions League football returns to Stamford Bridge next season.
The Blues have already started preparing for next season, with the Premier League outfit announcing the signing of Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech, who will join the London giants on July 1, in February. Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will surely look to offload some players to make way for new faces next season.
And so, here is a list of three players who could leave Chelsea in the upcoming transfer window.
#3 Jorginho
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho spent three seasons with current Juventus manager, Maurizio Sarri at Napoli, before following him to Chelsea in the summer of 2018. The 28-year-old took no time to settle in England, making history in his second Premier League appearance by completing 158 passes – the highest by any Chelsea player in a single league match.
Known for his versatility and vision, Jorginho is best-suited when he occupies the role of a central midfielder in a three-man midfield set-up, dictating terms from the middle of the park with his technique and ice-cool composure on the ball. The Italian international has been a regular starter for Frank Lampard this season, appearing 37 times across all competitions so far.
As per several reports from both the English and Italian media, Sarri is very much keen on reuniting with Jorginho once again, and Juventus and Chelsea are discussing the possibility of a swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic. It has been also suggested that Juventus are willing to offer some cash along with their Bosnian midfielder in order to seal the deal.
#2 Olivier Giroud:
Olivier Giroud has been linked with a possible move away from Chelsea for quite some time now. The French international joined the Blues on the deadline day of 2018’s winter transfer window from their London rivals Arsenal. Since then, the 33-year-old has mostly played as a second-fiddle striker, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Pedro, and Willian getting the nod ahead of him.
Giroud, who mainly depends on his size, physical strength, and ability to hold up play with his back to the goal, has spent most of his time on the bench this season due to Tammy Abraham’s rise. The former Arsenal man has made only 13 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring three goals.
According to reports, Giroud has already agreed personal terms with Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan and will leave Stamford Bridge as a free agent in the upcoming summer transfer window. It has been further claimed that Giroud was on the verge of moving to Italy in January, but remained in London following an ankle injury to Tammy Abraham.
#1 Willian
Willian’s name has been on the list of players who were on the verge of leaving Chelsea for eternity now. The Brazilian international has been a great hit since his arrival from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in the summer of 2013.
The 31-year-old has thus far played 329 matches across all competitions for the Blues, scoring 59 times. However, with time, Willian’s role at Chelsea changed from a regular starter to an impact substitute. But under the management of Frank Lampard, Willian has rediscovered his old touch, with the winger already making 28 Premier League appearances in the ongoing campaign.
In a recent interview with Expediente Futebol, Willian has confirmed that he will be leaving Chelsea at the end of this season.
“With Chelsea, it’s over, everyone knows my contract ends in a few months. A renewal is difficult. Chelsea proposed two extra years and I wanted three. We’re not talking anymore. There won’t be a negotiation.”
Willian
Fellow London outfits Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with making a move for Willian once the transfer window reopens.
Follow us on facebook for more sports news & updates