In a seismic shift at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea Football Club is preparing for a ruthless summer clear-out that could see some of its most high-profile signings shown the exit, the Mirror can reveal.
Shockingly, the list of potential departures includes last summer's marquee acquisition, Christopher Nkunku, and striker Nicolas Jackson, signalling a dramatic change in strategy under the new regime.
Maresca's Merciless New Era Begins
Newly appointed boss Enzo Maresca, fresh from his triumph with Leicester City, has been handed a formidable mandate by the club's hierarchy: mould a squad capable of challenging for the highest honours immediately. This has necessitated a brutally honest assessment of the current playing staff.
Despite his hefty £52 million price tag and a career plagued by injuries at RB Leipzig, Nkunku's first season in West London was once again marred by fitness issues, severely limiting his impact on the pitch.
Nicolas Jackson, a £32 million purchase from Villarreal, showed flashes of brilliance but was ultimately criticised for his inconsistent finishing, leaving the Blues' attack lacking the killer instinct required at the top level.
A Squad-Wide Evaluation
The overhaul is expected to be extensive. The club is also reportedly open to offers for a host of other players including:
- Marc Cucurella: The Spanish defender has failed to justify his massive transfer fee since arriving from Brighton.
- Trevoh Chalobah: The academy graduate could be deemed surplus to requirements despite being a homegrown talent.
- Armando Broja: The Albanian striker, who spent the latter half of the season on loan at Fulham, faces an uncertain future.
This fire sale is a clear indication that the club's ownership, led by Todd Boehly, is ready to cut its losses on investments that have not yielded the desired return, pivoting towards a new vision entirely shaped by Maresca.
Financial Fair Play Pressures
This mass exodus is not solely a footballing decision. The club remains under significant pressure to balance the books and comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) after a period of unprecedented spending.
Raising substantial funds through player sales is seen as the most effective way to create the financial headroom needed for Maresca to bring in his own primary targets and build a squad in his image.
This promises to be one of the most transformative and talked-about summers in recent Chelsea history, as the Enzo Maresca revolution begins with a very loud and clear statement of intent.
