when Enzo Maresca Take charge Chelsea Over the summer, he faced the daunting task of managing a swelling squad comprising up to 42 first-team players.
Speculation spread about how the Italian coach would deal with the situation, but he dealt with the matter decisively, as he released several players, sent others on loan, and put some of them on the bench entirely.
For those still at Stamford Bridge and struggling for playing time, the upcoming January transfer window provides a valuable opportunity to seek new opportunities and revitalize their careers.
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Here are seven Chelsea players who could realistically leave in 2025. Mykhailo Modric may have been number one on this list, but given that he was temporarily banned from football after failing a drugs test, he certainly won't be going anywhere. Place soon.
1
Christopher Nkunku
Linked to: Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal
Christopher Nkunku found himself marginalized in… Premier League This season, though, he is Chelsea's top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions.
Maresca has shown a clear preference for Nicholas Jackson as a main striker, and with the Senegal striker enjoying an impressive season, Nkunku looks unlikely to break into Chelsea's first team in the near future.
The Frenchman has proven to be a top-class attacking talent, is too skilled to remain on the sidelines, and although his departure will undoubtedly disappoint Chelsea fans, this could be his only viable path to regular football.
both of them Manchester United and his childhood club Paris Saint-Germain They are reportedly keen to secure his services, while the player himself is believed to be open to a move Arsenal.
2
Carne Chukwuemeka
Linked to: Milan, Aston Villa, Celtic
According to TEAMtalk, Milan Consider a January move for Carne Chukwuemekawho struggled for opportunities under Maresca.
The 21-year-old, who was signed from Aston Villa for £20m in the summer of 2022, has made just one start this season in the Premier League. Conference Leagueand none of the Blues' match teams appeared in the English Premier League.
Earlier this year, transportation expert Fabrizio Romano reported as much Chukwuemeka has a £40m release clause In his contract. However, given his lack of playing time recently, Chelsea will either have to accept a much lower sum for him or consider letting him leave on loan.
Next to Milan. Aston Villa Are keen to re-sign the player, while Celtic Also keen on Chukwuemeka services.
3
Ben Chilwell
Related: Man United
Ben Chilwell has been a valuable asset for Chelsea since his move from Leicester City in 2020, making over 100 appearances and playing a pivotal role in the club's 2021 Champions League win.
However, a series of injuries and strong performances from Mark Cucurella have left the 27-year-old out of favor in west London.
According to what was reported by the Daily Mail. Manchester United are said to be eyeing a move for the England defender in January to solve their own problems at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui struggling with fitness issues.
4
Cesar Cassady
Linked to: Milan, Monza, Leicester City
Cesare Casadei has made just four appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season and is yet to make a single appearance in the Premier League. Italian U-21 national team coach Carmine Nunziata thinks he should leave the club.
“Last year, Cesar had a good first half of the season with Leicester, then he went to Chelsea and played a bit,” Nunziata told Rai Radio 1 Sport last October. “This year, they kept him there. I advised him to see how things go until January, otherwise it is right to explore other options.”
Cassady is said to be on the radar of several clubs, including Milan and Monza. According to CaughtOffsidewhile rumors indicated elsewhere Leicester City It is possible that he will return to the club after the loan period he spent last season.
5
Kiernan Dewsbury Hall
Linked to: Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and others
Former Leicester City standout Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joined Chelsea from the Foxes during the summer in a £30m deal.
But while the England midfielder impressed as Enzo Maresca's main man at the King Power Stadium last season, things were not quite so smooth at Stamford Bridge, with the Englishman making just five brief substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Despite making nine appearances in other competitions, the 26-year-old will no doubt be seeking more consistency in the Premier League, which may only be possible with a move elsewhere.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are among several clubs He is reportedly monitoring his situation.
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6
Malo Gusto
Related to: Liverpool
whether Reece James has been injured Or not, Malo Gusto has been the clear first choice right-back for Chelsea this season, so he is unlikely to leave Stamford Bridge anytime soon.
However, Football Insider claimed Liverpool is considering signing the Frenchman If Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves for Real Madrid.
“Gusto has been rated very highly and is one of the scouts monitoring him this season,” former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told the newspaper, adding that the Reds believe they can “tempt him with a move.”
It would be a huge surprise if Giusto left for Anfield, but given his impressive performances for Chelsea this season, it's easy to see why Liverpool would be interested.
7
Axel Disasi
Related to: French League 1, Italian League
Another player who could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge in 2025 is defender Axel Disasi. The Frenchman joined the Blues from Monaco in 2023 and remains under contract until 2029, however, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are open to selling Disasi At the right price.
Bournemouth defender Ilija Szabarny is seen as a potential replacement for Disasi, with clubs in Ligue 1 and Serie A keen to sign the centre-back.