Petr Cech
The club legend announced recently that he did not want ‘another season like this’, fuelling speculation that he would be on his way out of Stamford Bridge. Cech has played number two behind the young Thibaut Courtois for the majority of this season. When called upon, Cech has shown he can still perform at the highest level with excellent performances against Everton in the Premier League and in the Capital One Cup final.
A number of clubs have been linked, Arsenal look like one of the early front runners. Especially with their current goal keeper situation, Cech could prove a wise investment. A move could be hindered with how Arsenal finish in the league. The Gunners have risen up the table in recent weeks and our now Chelsea’s closest contenders, something that may put Jose Mourinho off letting him go.
John Obi Mikel
The Nigerian has struggled for Chelsea this season, the partnership of Matic and Fabregas have been ever present in the pivot of Chelsea’s team. Despite making a handful of appearances in cup competitions, he has mostly been used as a sub from the bench when Chelsea are looking to close out a game. Ruben Loftus Cheek has also been promised game time in the first next season, Mikel’s departure could pave the way for the young English midfielder. Serie A could be a likely destination for Mikel as his wages could hinder a move to another Premier League club.
Didier Drogba
The one player Chelsea fans will be most reluctant to let go. Since returning to club in Jose Mourinho’s second season has been second choice and at times the third choice striker at Stamford Bridge. When the move was first announced, Mourinho insisted it was not sentimental and Drogba was still a top striker. The Ivorian has only been called upon a number of times this season, however he has stepped and scored vital goals in the Capital One Cup, Champions League and The Premier League, including a well taken header against Manchester United. If Drogba was to look to continue playing, MLS sides could make a move for the popular striker. Drogba is also believed to be keen on a coaching role at Chelsea when he finally hangs up his boots, whenever that may be.
Gael Kakuta
The man that promised so much and delivered so little on the Chelsea front. Originally brought in from Lens, Kakuta arrived at Stamford Bridge with an abundance of potential. Yet the Frenchman never lived up to it. Since arriving, Kakuta made a handful of appearances under Carlo Ancelotti but has since been shipped out of Stamford Bridge on loan after loan after loan. Kakuta’s contract expires at the end of the season and looks unlikely to be renewed.
Marko Marin
Another young talented international who arrived at Stamford Bridge with an immense amount of potential. Marin starred in a Wolfsburg team alongside the likes of Mesut Ozil earlier in both their respective careers. In contrast, Marin has seen his development stagnate and is now struggling to find a club. During recent years he has featured for Sevilla on loan as well as Fiorentina who cut his loan short during January. Marin is currently on loan at Anderlecht, they have also pulled out of a deal to sign the German at the end of the season. Marin has suffered with reoccurring injuries that halted what looked to be a very promising career. It is looking ever likely Chelsea will look to move Marin off their books during the summer.
Lucas Piazon
Lucas Piazon is currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, Piazon has also been in and out of the Bundesliga side. Despite this, speaking in February, the Express reported that Piazon wanted to stay in Germany. He said: “It’s physically tough and pretty fast. But I am starting to get used to it. I am doing a lot of training and I am feeling good being at this club. I would like to stay on (at Eintracht Frankfurt).” Piazon is another player that looks likely to leave, enabling the club to free up some space on the wage bill and re coup a few million.
For the most part, it will be players that are currently out on loan that are most likely to make way this summer. This is excellent business from the club, by sending players out on loan for an extra season rather than selling them earlier in their career’s only heightens their current value. This will aid the club produce funds to buy new players and remain under the laws of the new strict financial fair play rules.
