Chelsea transfer news: Latest news - Enzo Maresca plans massive clear-out as 10 players up for sale
Latest news - Blues bombshell: Maresca eyes squad revolution with TEN stars on the market in 2026
Chelsea could unleash a brutal squad purge next summer, with Enzo Maresca reportedly ready to offload as many as 10 players to bankroll a fresh era at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues splashed the cash in the 2025 summer window, snapping up talents like Victor Osimhen on loan with an obligation to buy, Pedro Neto, and young gem Leny Yoro, but the Italian boss is already plotting his next moves to drag the club back into the Premier League title race.
The Chelsea hierarchy, under Todd Boehly's watchful eye, have pinpointed attacking midfield and left-back as priority zones for reinforcement. Whispers from The Telegraph suggest the club has shortlisted Atalanta's Teun Koopmeiners, Fulham's Andreas Pereira, and Sporting's Morten Hjulmand as dream additions for 2026.
But to make room – and fund the spree – player sales are non-negotiable, and it's now claimed that a whopping 10 current squad members could be shown the door.
According to The Sun, the hit list includes high-profile names like Raheem Sterling, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Ben Chilwell, who might fetch big fees despite their inconsistencies. Meanwhile, loanees such as Armando Broja and Carney Chukwuemeka are tipped for permanent exits, and veterans like Thiago Silva (if he extends) and Marc Cucurella could follow suit.
The report adds a sting: shipping out these 10 would slash Chelsea's wage bill by over £1.8m per week, freeing up cash for Maresca's vision.
Latest news - The Chelsea clear-out: Who's on the chopping block?
Here's the rundown of the 10 players potentially up for grabs next summer:
- Raheem Sterling: The winger, frozen out under Maresca, is desperate for a move and has admirers in Saudi Arabia – a permanent sale could recoup £20m.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga: Third-choice keeper with a hefty contract; Real Madrid links persist, but Chelsea want £10m to cut ties.
- Ben Chilwell: Injury-plagued left-back whose future hangs in the balance – Newcastle and Tottenham have shown interest before.
- Armando Broja: On loan at Everton this season, the striker's lack of goals means a cheap £15m exit looms.
- Carney Chukwuemeka: Talented but underused midfielder, loaned to Crystal Palace – could be sold for £25m to the highest bidder.
- Marc Cucurella: The Spaniard's erratic form has Maresca unconvinced; Barcelona might swoop for £30m.
- Thiago Silva: At 41 next year, the Brazilian legend's extension talks are stalled – a free transfer to Brazil beckons.
- Trevoh Chalobah: Defender who's never nailed down a spot – a £20m move to Bayer Leverkusen feels inevitable.
- Cesare Casadei: Young Italian midfielder on the fringes; Serie A clubs are circling for a development loan turning permanent.
- David Datro Fofana: Another loanee struggling for minutes – permanent sale expected to raise £12-15m.
It's a ruthless approach, but Maresca – fresh off a mid-table start to 2025-26 – believes it’s essential to trim the bloated squad inherited from previous regimes.
Latest news - Chelsea’s bold transfer blueprint
Maresca isn't stopping at sales; ESPN reports the Blues are eyeing a January tweak, though the real fireworks are saved for summer. Beyond midfield maestros, Chelsea are hunting a versatile left-back to challenge or replace Chilwell, with Ajax's Jorrel Hato in their sights.
Up top, if Osimhen's loan sours, a new No.9 like Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres could arrive. The Italian gaffer has already vetoed a mid-season Sterling sale to avoid disrupting harmony, especially with Neto's injury woes exposing the flanks.
This overhaul screams ambition: Chelsea finished seventh last term and crave Champions League football. With FFP breathing down their neck, Maresca's clear-out could be the spark that reignites the Boehly project.
Watch this space – Stamford Bridge is about to get a whole lot noisier.
© IMAGO – Raheem Sterling could be the first out the door in Chelsea's 2026 fire sale.
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