Chelsea’s record-breaking recruitment has left the West Londoners with a bloated squad and financial concerns, with speculation surrounding a number of potential exits in the January transfer window.
With the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules headline news at the moment, Chelsea might need to sanction sales to balance the books or bring in further additions.
We look at four Chelsea players who could leave Stamford Bridge this month.
Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher continues to be linked with an exit this month despite the midfielder’s importance to the Chelsea side this season. Gallagher has been an almost ever-present in Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield and has captained the Blues on several occasions.
However, Gallagher’s status as a high-value academy prospect continues to see his name linked with an exit. Tottenham are reportedly keen on a deal to bring the 23-year-old across the capital and Gallagher appears perfectly suited to Ange Postecoglou’s high-octane brand of football.
The England international ranks fifth in the Premier League for tackles (54), ninth for blocks (30) and 10th for both interceptions (27) and successful take-on percentage (66.7%) this season, with Gallagher often setting the tone for pressing high up the pitch.
This is why Conor Gallagher is irreplaceable for Chelsea ????#MOTD #CFC pic.twitter.com/0iiwaNZ0kI
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 14, 2024
He could become an unpopular casualty of Chelsea’s chaotic transfer approach before the January deadline.
Armando Broja
Chelsea remain interested in signing a centre-forward in the upcoming transfer windows and a new arrival could lead to Armando Broja’s departure.
The academy product has struggled to establish himself in West London after some promising loan periods away from the club, with a serious knee issue having set back his progress at Chelsea.
Wolves have been credited with an interest in taking the Albania international on loan this month, while both West Ham and Fulham are long-term admirers and in the market for number nines.
“It’s a dream come true to be leading the line for my childhood club.” ????
Armando Broja is loving life at Chelsea and backs the team to deliver under Mauricio Pochettino ????
???? @adamsummerton pic.twitter.com/sR2VdzUAn5
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 13, 2024
Much could depend on Chelsea’s incoming activity and the availability of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, who are currently out due to international commitments and injury respectively.
Broja is currently the only out-and-out centre-forward available to Mauricio Pochettino and will hope to make the most of that opportunity.
Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah has not featured for Chelsea this season and all roads appear to lead to a transfer this January.
The defender was subject of interest from Bayern Munich in the summer, while Nottingham Forest failed with a £25m bid to sign the 24-year-old late in the transfer window. The arrival of Axel Disasi and the return of Levi Colwill from a loan spell at Brighton have increased competition for places and Chalobah is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Napoli have been named as a potential destination for the defender, with the Italian champions keen to sign a centre-back this month. Walter Mazzarri’s side missed out to Spurs in the race for Radu Dragusin and are reportedly assessing Chalobah as a potential alternative.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke could leave Chelsea just a year after joining the Blues from PSV Eindhoven. The England u-21 international signed for Chelsea during last season’s January window but has started just nine Premier League games since his arrival.
The 21-year-old came off the bench to score a late winner against Crystal Palace last month and was rewarded with a start against Luton, scoring once more in the 3-2 win at Kenilworth Road. However, Madueke returned to the bench for the clash with Fulham last weekend and faces strong competition for a first-team place from Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer.
The latter has thrived since his summer arrival from Manchester City and Madueke might feel he needs regular game time to follow suit, after a frustrating spell in West London.
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