Chelsea Football Club has reportedly banned four players from first-team duties as they look to streamline their squad. The club is seeking potential suitors for these players during the current transfer window.
The rest of the Chelsea team is currently on holiday after their triumphant win at the Club World Cup, where they stunned Paris Saint-Germain in the final on July 13. This victory has set a strong foundation for a possible shot at next season's Premier League trophy, which would be their first since Antonio Conte led them to glory in the 2016/2017 season. In addition to this, preparations are underway for Chelsea's return to Champions League action after a two-year hiatus. The focus now is on assembling an optimal squad under Enzo Maresca.
As part of these preparations, unwanted players have been separated from the main team. Raheem Sterling tops this list and is training separately alongside Ben Chilwell, Joao Felix and Axel Disasi - all of whom are not part of Maresca's plans. These players have been training at Chelsea's main base in Cobham while their teammates enjoy time off following their exploits in America. Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was also part of this group until his recent move to Bournemouth.
Fall from grace
Sterling has experienced a significant fall from grace over the past two seasons. Once one of Pep Guardiola’s most reliable attackers at Manchester City, he now finds himself forced out of another club and into uncharted territory following an unsuccessful loan spell with Arsenal last season.
Chelsea had paid a record amount to sign him from Manchester City and are now looking to recoup half that amount to save on his substantial weekly wages.
Other potential exits
Apart from Sterling, Felix, Disasi and Chilwell, other players who were part of Chelsea's Club World Cup squad could also be on their way out.
Noni Madueke has already sealed a move to Arsenal after featuring five times in the United States. Nicolas Jackson has been linked with a potential exit as well; Manchester United representatives have reportedly reached out over a possible deal. Following the arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro at Chelsea, Jackson will need to fight hard for his place as starting striker.
These developments indicate that Chelsea are taking decisive steps towards reshaping their team ahead of next season’s challenges in both domestic and international competitions.
