Chelsea plan summer clear-out in a bid to reduce squad numbers

Chelsea are planning a summer clear-out to reduce the size of Graham Potter’s bloated squad following a mammoth spending spree that spanned two transfer windows.

According to the Evening Standard, the Blues have shortlisted up to eight expendable first-team players who could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Todd Boehly-led consortium have splurged well over £400 million since completing the Chelsea takeover in May last year, and the club could face Financial Fair Play (FFP) punishment if they fail to balance their books.

The prospect of qualifying for next season’s Champions League through the Premier League is far-fetched following the club’s abysmal performances under Potter.

Chelsea currently lie in tenth position on the Premier League table after 27 games, 11 points adrift of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place, having played one less game.

Their only chance of earning a spot in Europe’s premium competition next season and receiving the revenue that comes with it is by winning the tournament this term which could prove beyond the reach of the uninspiring Blues.

A summer clear-out is the club’s only option to avoid FFP sanctions, and several players could be axed when the transfer window rolls around.

Potter has already blamed his oversized squad for the club’s misfortunes, with his training sessions undermined due to having too many players to work with.

The Blues are now looking to reduce their bloated squad from 33 players to a more typical 25-man group.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are among those likely to be sold to generate funds.

There is uncertainty growing over the future of Mateo Kovacic, who has just over a year left on his current deal with Chelsea yet to open talks over a contract extension with the midfield maestro.

Academy graduate Mason Mount is also at crossroads with the club over a new deal and could be sold this summer if both sides fail to reach an agreement.

Edouard Mendy, who has lost his starting berth to Kepa Arrizabalaga since Potter arrived, could also leave the club after a breakdown in talks over a new contract.