Enzo Maresca plans major squad cuts at Chelsea before transfer window closes

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to make significant reductions to the squad before the transfer window shuts.

Although Chelsea’s website lists 42 players as part of their first-team squad, Maresca has stated that the number is actually 30, meaning several players will need to be moved on.

“I want all 30 players, but there is no space for all of them, so some have to leave,” Maresca said. “If players want to be Chelsea players, we want to see how we can use them.”

Some players have already departed, including Ian Maatsen, Omari Hutchinson, and Hakim Ziyech, who were sold, while Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr left on free transfers. More departures are expected in the coming days. Here’s a list of the players likely to leave:

Raheem Sterling

Sterling was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their match against Manchester City, leading his representatives to seek “clarity” on his future. Maresca described Sterling’s omission as a “technical decision,” but with Sterling on high wages and under contract for another three years, his departure is uncertain.

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Conor Gallagher

Gallagher was close to joining Atletico Madrid for £33 million, but the deal fell through, leaving him in limbo. Unable to agree on a new contract with Chelsea, he is currently training away from the first team as the club attempts to find a buyer. Notably, Gallagher was one of three first-team players not listed on Chelsea’s matchday program.

Trevoh Chalobah

Left out of Chelsea’s pre-season tour to the US, Chalobah is also training away from the first team. Maresca expressed regret over excluding him but cited the club’s surplus of defenders. Newcastle, Crystal Palace, and West Ham have all shown interest in the 25-year-old.

Ben Chilwell

After playing just 64 minutes in pre-season, Chilwell might be sold. Maresca admitted that Chilwell struggles to fit into his tactical setup. While Maresca appreciates Chilwell’s work ethic, he suggested that it might be better for the left-back to seek more playing time elsewhere.

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Romelu Lukaku

Following loan spells at Inter Milan and Roma, Chelsea are hoping to offload Lukaku permanently. He was not included in Chelsea’s squad listing, and a potential reunion with Antonio Conte at Napoli has been speculated, contingent on Victor Osimhen’s future at the Italian club.

Armando Broja

Broja’s absence from Chelsea’s squad listing and the reassignment of his shirt number to new signing Pedro Neto suggest his future lies elsewhere. Ipswich Town has reportedly shown interest in the 22-year-old, who has previously had loan spells with Southampton and Fulham.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Having spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, Chelsea are looking to move Kepa on permanently as they trim their squad. With six senior goalkeepers on their books and Kepa entering the final year of his contract, his high wages could complicate a potential transfer.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Despite acknowledging Chukwuemeka’s talent, Maresca has hinted that the midfielder should leave Chelsea to gain regular playing time. The club is open to selling the 20-year-old, with Barcelona and Crystal Palace reportedly interested. However, Chelsea may need to lower their asking price to facilitate a sale.