Three surprise names who could leave Chelsea
As a measured Thomas Tuchel spoke to Chelsea’s club journalists, a call for consistency blared despite the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Udinese.
“We are not ready, and we don’t have to be ready,” affirmed Tuchel, hinting at the work Chelsea are left to deal with ahead of a trip to Goodison Park that looms larger with each passing day.
By no means are the Blues settled. They haven’t quite replaced Andreas Christensen yet, and there are several players heading out or at least, unsure of their long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel has already called out for new signings after Chelsea’s shocking 4-0 defeat against Arsenal, which also revealed that several players may also want out as well.
Here’s a brief rundown of three surprise players likely to leave Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
It’s a report that surfaced earlier on July 30, when Gianluca Di Marzio wrote about Napoli’s interest in signing Kepa on loan from Chelsea to replace David Ospina.
Signed for a whopping £71.6 million deal from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, Kepa has been Edouard Mendy’s understudy throughout the last few seasons.
It remains a surprising move because with such short notice, Chelsea will have to promote Marcus Bettinelli to a level above where he is. Napoli, meanwhile, are happy to pay 25% of his wages (£150,000 a week).
Regardless, it’s wise for Kepa to earn the game time he deserves after a few strong performances for Chelsea last season in cup games.
Christian Pulisic
As Chelsea began their pre-season training camps this summer ahead of the new Premier League season, there was plenty of rust as one would expect.
Whilst the nucleus of the team quickly hit their groove, Pulisic is one player that hasn’t matched the tempo. That begs the question, what does his future with the team hold?
Callum Hudson-Odoi is back fit and has looked very sharp and direct, while Mason Mount seems to be the number one choice on the other flank. Raheem Sterling, without a shadow of a doubt, will be a regular starter in the front three.
Pulisic might play second fiddle to Sterling, but at 23, it’s not a certainty that he prefers such a role.
With Timo Werner expected to depart, Pulisic could remain at Chelsea. One thing is for sure though, he needs to start threatening more consistently in matches, if not contribute week-in and out with goals and assists. https://twitter.com/SonOfChelsea/status/1553376037605724161
Billy Gilmour
In a midfield that potentially has two spots up for grabs amongst an assemblage of talent, it’s hard to judge where young Billy Gilmour will fit in the pecking order.
That order, indeed, comprises Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley. The latter is perhaps the only one behind Gilmour.
Chelsea fans fondly remember his back-to-back man of the match performances against Merseyside clubs under Frank Lampard’s regime.
That brings us to where he could move – Lampard’s Everton. Earlier, it was reported that the Toffees were measuring a reunion between the pair.
For someone devoid of a daunting frame, Gilmour’s feet are quicker than you think, and his mind is even quicker still. He looks comfortable in the heart of midfield whenever he patrols it, as portrayed in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Udine on July 30.
Another loan move would possibly be the best option for all concerned parties.
Other notable mentions who are widely reported to leave Chelsea: Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta, Ethan Ampadu, Kenedy, Ross Barkley, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak