Chelsea have been the busiest Premier League club in the 2023 summer transfer window, spending well over £350 million on new players this summer.
That figure could increase even further in the home stretch of the window, with the Blues still looking to add one more forward player to pad their already talent-rich squad.
However, the bulk of the transfer talk surrounding Chelsea thus far has revolved around outgoing deals, so we have highlighted some potential departures to watch out for ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Marc Cucurella – Manchester United
Marc Cucurella could be lining up in a Manchester United shirt for the rest of the 2023/24 campaign, with the Red Devils working on securing his services on a season-long loan.
The Spanish defender has endured a torrid time with Chelsea since completing a move to Stamford Bridge last summer and has had to settle for a third-choice spot in the left-back rankings this term.
The 25-year-old is yet to make his competitive debut for Mauricio Pochettino, and it appears the Argentine tactician will not be opposed to his imminent exit.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have sparked to life at the tail end of the transfer market, with Steve Cooper eager to bolster his squad depth before time runs out.
Fulham were previously linked with a move for Chelsea outcast Callum Hudson-Odoi, but Forest have reportedly jumped to the front of the queue for the struggling Englishman – although Everton are also circling.
Romelu Lukaku – AS Roma
After flirting with nearly every Italian team that would bat an eye in his direction, Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku has finally settled for a reunion with Jose Mourinho at AS Roma.
The deal features a highly impressive structure that will see him take a pay cut to join the Giallorossi and maintain those low wages when he returns to the Bridge.
Multiple reports also claim Chelsea have stuck a £37m release clause in his revised contract, which will allow for a seamless exit, assuming he impresses at Stadio Olimpico.
Trevoh Chalobah – Bayern Munich
In their bid to replace Inter Milan-bound Benjamin Pavard, Thomas Tuchel is keen to renew acquaintances with Trevoh Chalobah at the Allianz Arena.
The pair won the Champions League in the 2020/21 campaign, and Bayern Munich have opened talks with Chelsea over a potential loan deal for the Englishman at Tuchel’s express request.
Chelsea would prefer an outright sale, but both clubs are locked in negotiations to find a proposal that resonates with all parties involved.
Ian Maatsen – Burnley
Ian Maatsen has been linked with a return to Burnley after a hugely impressive loan spell at Turf Moor last season.
However, the youngster has made a lasting impression on Pochettino, who now views him as an alternative to Ben Chilwell at left-back.
With Cucurella poised to head north to Manchester, Chelsea are highly unlikely to sanction a departure for Maatsen, who already has a long-term contract waiting to be signed.
Lesley Ugochukwu – Strasbourg
With Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia now in the fold, Lesley Ugochukwu is another of Chelsea’s highly-rated prospects who could depart before the transfer window closes.
A temporary switch to sister club Strasbourg has been mooted, but the Blues are yet to decide on the 19-year-old’s future.
While remaining in Pochettino’s squad has not been ruled out, the Frenchman’s chances of regular first-team action are significantly improved away from the Bridge.
Deivid Washington – Strasbourg
Deivid Washington was the latest youngster to link up with the Blues this summer but is expected to secure an immediate move to Strasbourg on a season-long loan.
