Chelsea could raise almost £500m by selling 11 players this summer

Chelsea are open to selling as many as 11 players before the summer transfer deadline, with the potential departures worth almost £500m, while the club continue to strengthen their squad under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea recently completed the signing of Jordan Henderson, making the former England captain their eighth arrival of the summer. The club have been particularly active in the transfer market in recent months, including the £117m purchase of Morgan Rogers and the arrival of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

The signing of Danny Welbeck in the first days of August represented a departure from Chelsea’s usual focus on younger players. That change in approach was reinforced by the addition of Henderson.

Argentina international Valentin Barco has also joined from Strasbourg, while Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha complete the club’s incoming business so far.

Chelsea’s recruitment drive could help Alonso improve a side that finished 10th in the Premier League last season, but it has also left the manager with an oversized squad. The Mirror, citing The Athletic, reports that 11 players could leave Stamford Bridge permanently before the transfer deadline, potentially generating close to £500m in transfer income.

Several defenders could leave

The arrival of Lacroix means Chelsea are expected to reduce the number of defenders in their squad. Alonso has said he would prefer to work with only “four or five” defenders.

Trevoh Chalobah is reportedly close to joining Como in a £31m deal, although he may not be the only centre-back to depart.

Axel Disasi, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United, could be sold for about £25m. Benoit Badiashile is valued at £30m, while right-back Malo Gusto is not regarded as a guaranteed first-choice player and could command a fee of £75m.

In midfield, Enzo Fernandez has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Chelsea. The club would reportedly demand £120m for the Argentina international, who joined from Benfica for £106m in January 2023.

Pedro Neto is another player whose future is considered uncertain despite Chelsea valuing his contribution. The Portugal winger has been linked with a possible £70m departure.

Strikers also face uncertain futures

Welbeck’s arrival is expected to increase competition in attack and could prompt Chelsea to sell several forwards.

Liam Delap is considered one of the players most likely to leave after a disappointing first season at the club. Even so, Chelsea will look to make a profit on the £30m they paid Ipswich Town for him last summer.

Nicolas Jackson is valued at £65m and has attracted interest from Aston Villa after spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich. Young forward Marc Guiu is priced at £25m following his 13 appearances for Chelsea last season.

Emegha, who joined from Strasbourg, is already reported to have an uncertain position at Stamford Bridge. Transfermarkt values him at £20m.

Chelsea are also expected to seek a permanent sale for David Datro Fofana, whose estimated value is £3m.

Taken together, the possible transfer fees for the 11 players would total £494m, although some departures could eventually bring in higher amounts.