Chelsea open to several player exits in January – sources،
Chelsea are prepared to sanction the departure of several players, including Trevoh Chalobah, Ian Maatsen and Noni Madueke, to help fund their January transfer plans, sources have told ESPN.
Mauricio Pochettino said after the 2-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday that his side were “missing something” and “maybe we will have to make a bit of a move” in next month's window to salvage a dismal start that has left Chelsea languishing in the bottom half of the Prime Minister. League table.
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Chelsea's main target is a striker, with Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Brentford's Ivan Toney the preferred options, while Feyenoord's Santiago Giménez is also under consideration.
However, the club has limited funds to ensure it complies with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules and player departures would strengthen its ability to compete in the January market.
Chalobah is expected to leave without playing a single minute this season due to a nagging hamstring injury. Crystal Palace are among the clubs interested in the 24-year-old.
Sources have told ESPN that Borussia Dortmund are tracking Maatsen, but it is unclear at this stage whether they are ready to sign the Dutchman permanently in January.
Noni Madueke only signed for Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January, but he has fallen down the pecking order under Pochettino, starting just two games this season – the last of which came in a 2-0 defeat at home against Brentford on October 28.
Sources have told ESPN that Pochettino's predecessor as permanent Chelsea boss, Graham Potter, had pushed for Madueke's signing. The 21-year-old has signed a seven-year contract – with an option for a further year – and so it is possible he could be allowed to leave on loan if a suitable offer arrives.
Armando Broja is in a similar situation, but his future could depend on the success of Chelsea's quest to sign a new striker.
Pochettino is frustrated by his side's inability to take risks, and although Christopher Nkunku is set to make his first-team debut after returning to training after injuring his knee in pre-season, Chelsea still wants to recruit a striker next month.
Luring Osimhen from Napoli could prove tricky, while Brentford appear reluctant to allow Toney to leave mid-season. Both deals would be expensive.
Chelsea are also looking to strengthen other areas of the squad with a goalkeeper and centre-back among their likely targets.
Chelsea are monitoring Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale's lack of playing time, but Mikel Arteta has played down speculation the England international could leave the north London club next month.
ESPN reported in September that Chelsea were willing to listen to offers for Marc Cucurella, although he has since played more often than expected due to Ben Chilwell's hamstring injury.
Cucurella almost joined Manchester United in the summer before a loan deal collapsed and sources have said Chelsea would be open to his departure in the right circumstances.
