Chelsea are preparing for another summer exodus as the transfer window prepares to open.
The Blues saw a whopping 15 players leave the club at the start of this season with names such as Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek opting for pastures new.
With Mauricio Pochettino keen to shape up his playing squad once again, a further four first-team players have been touted for an exit.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has been speaking ahead of the upcoming window and what it means for most teams in the Premier League.
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Chelsea will have to tread carefully given their net spend and FFP regulations could force their hand when it comes to player sales.
“We’re likely to see departures at Chelsea this summer, particularly with the players who are currently out on loan," Romano told GiveMeSport.
“As previously reported, the plan is for Armando Broja to be sold once he comes back from his loan at Fulham, and Hakim Ziyech can already be considered to have played his last game for Chelsea.
“I also expect Romelu Lukaku and Ian Maatsen to leave Chelsea, but for the others, we have to wait and see what happens.”
Lukaku hasn't been a success at Chelsea since his stunning return to the club in 2021, having now had loan spells with Inter Milan and Roma.
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At 30, the Belgian will likely have one eye on the future, and has admitted he has to be 'smart' about what comes next in terms of a move away from Stamford Bridge.
“I don’t want any controversy with them in England," he recently told Sky Sports.
"I have to be smart, you know what I mean”.
Lukaku has enjoyed another strong spell away from his parent club, having netted 20 goals so far in all competitions this season.
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With Saudi Arabia perhaps tipped as a likely destination, it is yet to be confirmed whether Roma will attempt to keep him beyond the summer months.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea, AS Roma, Premier League
Matthew Holt