Pulisic, Kovacic and Koulibaly at risk as Chelsea plot summer clearout

Chelsea are planning a summer clearout as they look to overhaul their squad, reports ESPN.

The United States international midfielder Christian Pulisic is expected to lead the exodus. Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Callum Hudson-Odoi could also be let go.

Chelsea also plan to sell Romelu Lukaku, while the futures of N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount remain in doubt.

The Stamford Bridge club have signed 18 players since Todd Boehly completed a takeover last May.

Manager Graham Potter will have to trim his squad and some deadweights need to be shed.

Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to leave Chelsea after being left out of their Champions League squad. He has been linked with Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC.

Hakim Ziyech saw his loan move to Paris Saint-Germain fall through at the last minute last month. The Morocco international attacker will likely look to leave in the summer.

Pulisic has struggled for form this season, with just one goal and two assists to his name in 21 games across all competitions.

The 24-year-old American has been unable to establish himself in Chelsea’s starting XI since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2019.

Pulisic is out of contract in 2024, and the club have no plans to offer him an extension. They are open to selling him in the summer to avoid losing him for free.

The contracts of Kovacic, Mount and Hudson-Odoi also expire in 2024, while Kante’s deal ends in the summer.

Chelsea have signed attacking trio David Datro Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke permanently. They are also looking to make Joao Felix’s loan permanent.

Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos have been added to the midfield, and French centre-backs Benoit Badiashile and Malo Gusto were also snapped up.

Chelsea want to avoid Financial Fair Play issues, and a clearout this summer would come in handy.