Chelsea facing a struggle in efforts to sell these five players as a part of January clear-out

Chelsea keen to trim their squad in the January transfer window

Chelsea enjoyed an excellent summer that saw them bring in a number of key first-team players.

This has seen the squad bloat, necessitating a trim in the upcoming January transfer window. However, it is easier said than done.

According to The Express, Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia could have her transfer acumen tested in her efforts to sell off the deadwood at the club.

While there are quie a few names on the chopping block, five names are set to present the Blues with the biggest challenge.

Unsurprisingly, Kepa Arrizabalaga is on the list after losing his starting spot to Edouard Mendy. However, with him currently netting a salary of £190,000 per week and with four and a half years on his Blues contract, moving him on will not be easy.

Both Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso could be on their way out. While the former has slipped down the pecking order, the latter appears to have lost favour with Frank Lampard. Christensen also has no intention of leaving the club.

Two other names on the list are that of Danny Drinkwater and Baba Rahman. The duo has hardly featured for Chelsea and fans can be forgiven for not knowing they were still at the club.

The duo was also available in the summer window. However, no club came forward to take them. With them not having played for us since it is difficult to imagine the interest in them in January.

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All five players represent a different challenge that Granovskaia will need to overcome. She has in recent windows enhanced her reputation as an astute recruiter.

Selling these five players will put that name to the test.