The 2022 summer transfer window has now opened until the beginning of September which means Chelsea can get to work rebuilding Thomas Tuchel's squad under the new Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership.
Work has already got underway for Chelsea with Antonio Rudiger's departure confirmed earlier this month with Real Madrid confirming his arrival. Meanwhile, the Blues announced their released list which saw Andreas Christensen, Jake Clarke-Salter, Danny Drinkwater and Charly Musonda all released from their contracts.
Many more players' futures are still yet to be decided - Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are two who could return to Spain this summer amid interest from Barcelona.
Alonso has already expressed his desire of a move back to his homeland one day but insists he is still happy at Stamford Bridge with one year left on his contract.
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He said earlier this week: "On paper, I have a contract for one more year and that is where we’re at today. I’ve already said that I would like to play in Spain again, but it doesn’t depend entirely on me.
"I can’t complain about anything at Chelsea, but the desire to play in Spain is there. It doesn’t depend entirely on me and I’m happy at Chelsea, honestly."
Meanwhile, as reported by the Telegraph, no decision has been made by Azpilicueta. He will hold more talks with the club once he completes his duties for Spain in the Nations League. The club could allow him to depart if he expresses a desire to leave after 10 years at the club.
Saul Niguez' loan spell has ended and he will return and stay at Atletico Madrid, he confirmed in his departure message. Fellow Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga could leave if he decides he wants a new start and Chelsea are able to find a suitable suitor.
Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner could all leave with the club willing to listen to offers for the attacking trio. Romelu Lukaku is in talks with Inter Milan over a potential return, however any deal, likely a loan, will be on Chelsea's term and he will only be allowed to leave if it makes financial sense for the Blues.
With all the outgoings, Chelsea are expected to make several signings this summer. Tuchel has been promised control of transfers by Todd Boehly and is set to be given £200 million to rebuild his squad for the 2022/23 campaign which sees them head to the United States for pre-season where they will face Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal.
Jules Kounde, Matthijs de Ligt, Presnel Kimpembe, Kalidou Koulibaly, Milan Skriniar and Josko Gvardiol have all been linked as possible replacements for Chelsea's back line next season.
In midfield, incoming depend on departures - Declan Rice has been a long-term target of the west London side, while they missed out on AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni with Real Madrid closing in on a €100 million transfer of the France international.
Tuchel hinted at attacking reinforcements this summer and the shortlist has already been filled with names. Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku are of interest, as is out of contract Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele. Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus is another target.
No movement has been made yet however the new owners have only been in their roles officially for just over a week. But Petr Cech, Chelsea's Performance and Technical Advisor, hinted at a busy summer for the Blues.
"It will be (a busy summer for Chelsea following new owners' arrival). Of course we plan, prepare, and be as strong as we can next season."
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Premier League, Thomas Tuchel
Matthew Debono