Chelsea's Summer Fire Sale: 8 Stars Still on the Chopping Block

Chelsea's constantly evolving roster has undergone another major overhaul this summer, with additional modifications potentially on the horizon at Stamford Bridge ahead of the September 1st transfer window closure.

The Blues have invested nearly £250 million ($337.3 million) strengthening their squad throughout the summer period, primarily concentrating efforts on enhancing their attacking options. João Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens represent some of the notable new arrivals.

Chelsea have simultaneously worked diligently to create space for newcomers by approving departures for fringe players. They have succeeded in recovering funds thus far but continue seeking to offload additional surplus players before the window concludes.

Indeed, The Telegraph has reported that Chelsea are targeting the departure of eight first-team squad members within the coming fortnight, permitting them to exit via either loan or permanent arrangements.

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea seemed to be investing heavily in Nicolas Jackson when acquiring him from Villarreal in 2023, particularly after extending his substantial contract last summer. Nevertheless, another erratic season and the additions of Pedro and Delap have moved the Senegalese forward closer to departure.

Enzo Maresca confirmed before the weekend stalemate with Crystal Palace that Jackson is permitted to depart the club. Time rarely favors players at Stamford Bridge and tolerance has already worn thin, with the striker allegedly requesting a transfer after dropping in the hierarchy.

Jackson has admirers in the Premier League and has reportedly prioritized a switch to Newcastle United, who urgently need a new striker amid the continuing Alexander Isak situation. Manchester United were considered potential purchasers but have subsequently invested in Benjamin Šeško, while Aston Villa previously expressed interest but have now acquired Evann Guessand.

Christopher Nkunku

Injuries have ruined Christopher Nkunku's Chelsea tenure and his time has finally expired. Despite achieving 20 goal contributions last season—with half occurring in the Conference League—the Blues are prepared to minimize their losses on the adaptable yet unpredictable 27-year-old.

Chelsea are eager to dispose of Nkunku and Bayern Munich are the primary candidates. However, while personal agreements have been reached between the player and the German giants, a Bundesliga return remains uncertain due to Bayern's preference for a loan arrangement rather than a permanent acquisition.

A loan proposal for Nkunku has been declined by the Blues but discussions continue.

Raheem Sterling

The Telegraph's report has disclosed that Chelsea are prepared to approve another loan for Raheem Sterling this summer, following his disappointing spell with Arsenal last season. The Gunners secured the former England international for 2024–25 but were disappointed by his six goal contributions across all competitions.

Chelsea now face the challenging task of attempting to move Sterling again this summer, with Fulham having expressed interest in the 30-year-old. He desires to remain in the Premier League but his salary, exceeding £300,000 weekly, could present a major obstacle in any prospective agreement.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Carney Chukwuemeka represents another player whose Chelsea journey has been affected by recurring injuries, though the promising youngster's loan spell at Borussia Dortmund during the second half of last season helped partially restore his standing. Despite performing well when healthy in Germany, the Blues remain determined to profit from the Englishman before the approaching transfer deadline.

Dortmund are keen on re-acquiring the 21-year-old but have seen a loan offer with purchase obligation quickly rejected by Chelsea, who reportedly deemed the proposal "insulting".

Maresca has publicly acknowledged that Chukwuemeka will likely depart, somewhat weakening Chelsea's negotiating leverage.

Axel Disasi

Axel Disasi's transfer to Chelsea has proven deeply disappointing for both parties. After arriving from Monaco in 2023, the French center-back has failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge and secure his position in the team, which necessitated his loan move to Aston Villa during the second half of last season.

Villa chose not to pursue Disasi permanently this summer, leaving the 27-year-old in uncertainty as he seeks a new destination. Suitors are limited, though Newcastle have been previously connected. However, their recent signing of Malick Thiaw makes pursuing Disasi appear improbable.

Renato Veiga

Renato Veiga represents another Chelsea defender who spent the latter half of 2024–25 on loan, with the Portuguese international bringing his abilities to Turin.

Juventus provided him with essential first-team opportunities after struggling to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, but they lack interest in a permanent arrangement.

Atlético Madrid seemed poised to acquire the versatile 22-year-old but the transfer eventually fell through, with fellow La Liga side Villarreal now demonstrating considerable interest. The Spanish club has yet to satisfy Chelsea's £25 million valuation but could still complete a deal before the window closes as the Blues become increasingly anxious to reduce their squad size.

Ben Chilwell

Ben Chilwell's fitness issues and public disagreement with Maresca signify his Chelsea career has concluded. He spent half of last season with Crystal Palace but managed only 11 appearances, now finding himself in the disturbingly familiar situation of being ostracized following his return to Chelsea.

Given the left-back's substantial wages and injury history, securing a purchaser will prove difficult for the Blues. Chilwell retains value for numerous Premier League clubs but he's no longer an especially appealing prospect, particularly if Chelsea choose to adopt a rigid stance during transfer discussions.

Tyrique George

Despite delivering several outstanding performances during first-team appearances for Chelsea last season—he recorded three goals and five assists in 26 outings—Tyrique George might depart Stamford Bridge this summer. While an exit isn't guaranteed, The Telegraph has indicated that it remains feasible.

Whether Chelsea would permit a permanent departure for a player with such considerable potential remains uncertain, but a loan arrangement could be considered. With the Blues attempting to secure Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho before the summer window concludes, George is unlikely to receive the same opportunities he enjoyed last season.