Five Chelsea players who need a transfer this summer

Updated: 2 Aug 2022 13:51 BST
4 min read

Hudson-Odoi for Chelsea, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Chelsea are set for a busy final month of the transfer window as they look to build on their third-place league finish from last season.

Thomas Tuchel’s side threatened to challenge for the Premier League, but fell off dramatically over the Christmas period, allowing a 19-point gap to build to champions Manchester City.

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The rest of this summer is going to be big, and along with incomings, there will have to be some players leaving to get the squad right.

So, which players need to leave Chelsea this summer for the good of their own careers?

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Callum Hudson-Odoi has all the talent in the world, but he hasn't had any chance of momentum at Chelsea.

Like most young players, he needs minutes to find his groove and consistently perform. That hasn't arrived at Chelsea due to competition for places and his own injury issues.

After arriving early for pre-season and taking just one week off after the season's conclusion, Hudson-Odoi is ready to take a stab at the Chelsea starting XI, but a loan or permanent move away may be better suited in order to ensure he plays regularly.

Hakim Ziyech

Due to the signing of Raheem Sterling and the failed pursuit of Raphinha, Hakim Ziyech now seems likely to leave Chelsea this summer.

Still yet to establish himself as a first-choice option two seasons into his Blues career, Ziyech's up and down form hasn't helped his case, and with Conor Gallagher back after impressing on loan at Crystal Palace, he may well be sacrificed.

Of course, they are very different players, but Tuchel may choose to deploy Gallagher further forward in order to utilise his immense pressing capabilities. If that is the case, then Ziyech may make way. AC Milan are interested.

Ross Barkley

Left in the cold in 2020/21, and loaned to Aston Villa, Ross Barkley was surprisingly kept in the fold last term.

He managed to make the odd appearance, but game time was fleeting as he was firmly a back-up option.

The injury-prone nature of Chelsea's central midfield may force Barkley into Tuchel's thinking, but with Gallagher, Billy Gilmour and Ethan Ampadu returning to the squad this summer, he will surely not be needed come the start of the season.

He may not warrant a huge fee, but the former Everton man is still a talented player, and would do a job for someone in the Premier League. But not for Chelsea.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa played just four times in the Premier League last season, as Edouard Mendy kept his place in the starting lineup.

© ProShots - Kepa is no longer first-choice at Chelsea

The summer arrival of Gabriel Slonina means that Kepa will not even be second-choice goalkeeper at Chelsea anymore.

As a result, Chelsea and Kepa are looking for an exit option. Napoli look like the most likely option as Chelsea will hold talks with the Italian club this week.

Malang Sarr

Even with competition for places low at the back, Malang Sarr has been put up for sale this summer.

Fulham have made a bid for the player, while there has also been interest from Serie A.

However, it appears like a move to Monaco is the likeliest destination.

Torino and Milan have expressed interest, so Sarr could be heading for Italy in search of first-team minutes. It is a transfer that will suit all parties.