Chelsea ready to sell five defenders this summer

Chelsea are ready to sell five defenders this summer, with Maxence Lacroix set to join from Crystal Palace. The Blues are looking to make space in the squad as they give Xabi Alonso full control over the players’ future.

According to a report in Football Insider, Chelsea are trimming the squad once again and are ready to sanction the sale of players in excess of requirements. They have a deal in place for Lacroix, and are now working on exits before making more moves.

Benoit Badiashile is the first name on the sheet, and the Frenchman has been linked with an exit for the last 18 months. He has fallen down the pecking order since his injury and the Blues are keen on offloading him soon.

Tosin Adarabioyo has not been a fan favourite for the last 8-12 months, but the defender is keen on staying at the club. However, there is reported interest in the former Manchester City and Fulham defender, and Chelsea are open to selling him for the right price.

Wesley Fofana was a massive addition under the new owners, but his injury issues have limited his time on the pitch. He could be heading for the exit this summer, but no offer has come in for the Frenchman.

Trevoh Chalobah has been a target for Como and Inter Milan, but neither side has been able to meet the asking price. Chelsea want £30 million plus £5 million in add-ons, but the latest offer from Como was £25 million.

Mamadou Sarr is a surprise name on the sheet, as the Blue Co sporting directors highly regard him. He could reportedly be heading back to Strasbourg this summer.

Xabi Alonso on Chelsea squad ahead of Premier League season

Xabi Alonso was quizzed on the Chelsea squad in his first press conference, and he was quick to admit that they needed to make changes. He said that they need to sign the right players before the season starts and said:

“Small details for sure, but the main focus about how we want to start the competition in August, it hasn’t changed much. The plan is that we are working in line with the sports directors, where we want to reach, the team is good and where we want to reinforce the positions that are needed is clear. There are still some weeks to go but we are working in a very aligned way and this is the right way.”

The Blues are in Australia this week for their pre-season, but Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda are out injured.