Hull City manager confirms the end of the loan spell for Chelsea youngster Harvey Vale. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea could part ways with four senior players should they complete the signing of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde claim The Telegraph (Subscription Required) [h/t Metro]. Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Michy Batshuayi could all leave the club this summer.
Chelsea are fighting off some serious competition from Barcelona to sign the French defender. Having already signed Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, Thomas Tuchel is keen to make Kounde his third signing of the summer.
But that will not be easy, as Barcelona are doing everything they can to poach Kounde from Chelsea’s hand. However, the Blues remain confident that they will land the player, and once they do, they will look to offload players.
Tuchel is said to be prepared to sanction the departure of the four players mentioned above. But it remains to be seen if they can attract any suitable offers. The player’s value and their wage bill are not something every club on the continent can afford.
Werner has been heavily linked with a move from Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Sterling. The German international had also recently hinted that he could be open to a move. Ziyech has held talks with Serie A giants AC Milan for a loan move, but nothing has materialised as such.
Kepa is said to be attracting interest from Napoli after the Spaniard was demoted to back-up keeper following the arrival of Edouard Mendy. Chelsea could struggle to recoup the £72 million they spent on signing him. As for Batshuayi, he does not seem to fit in Tuchel’s plan and is expected to leave.
Apart from all this, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta has been linked with a move to Barcelona while teenage sensation Armando Broja is said to be close to agreeing on a move to West Ham United. It looks like it is going to be a pretty hectic month for Tuchel and co.
It is important for the Blues to understand the importance of depth. Apart from Batshuayi, the names mentioned above aren’t passengers. In fact, they make for pretty good squad players.
The Belgian striker has proven to be a shocking signing, with his last PL game in our colours coming all the way back in February 2020 against Bournemouth. But in case Chelsea see departures, they must make sure their depth isn’t compromised. If that entails signing more players, then so be it.
The team is currently in the United States for their pre-season tour. They play their last game there on Sunday against Arsenal. With so many players linked with a move to and away from the club, it remains to be seen what starting eleven Tuchel fields on the opening matchday.
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