Thomas Tuchel plots clear-out as Chelsea pay price for £236m in transfer mistakes

A number of players could be on their way out of Chelsea this summer transfer window, chief among which are an £80million duo Thomas Tuchel is willing to part ways with

Chelsea could be in line for a busy transfer window as Thomas Tuchel eyes a summer clear-out following the completion of the club’s takeover.

The Blues confirmed on May 30 that a group led by US businessman Todd Boehly has taken over the club from Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the government back in March. After months of uncertainty, Chelsea can plan for the future and Tuchel is plotting a major rebuild this summer.

Antonio Rudiger has already completed his move to Real Madrid on a free transfer and the German international may not be the only player on their way out of Stamford Bridge. Andreas Christensen is set to leave the Blues at the end his contract, while Cesar Azpilicueta’s deal also runs out later this month.

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea will listen to offers for Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, too, with the duo struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League after joining from RB Leipzig and Ajax respectively. Christian Pulisic could also depart, while the club are still negotiating with Inter Milan over a deal for centre-forward misfit Romelu Lukaku.

Werner made the switch from the Bundesliga for a fee in the region of £47.5million in 2020 but has failed to live up to that price tag. He scored 12 goals in 52 matches during his maiden season in England and, despite starting the following campaign in better form, the 26-year-old recorded just 11 goals in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Ziyech has not been able to cement a regular starting berth under Tuchel’s stewardship, with Mason Mount often preferred in the inside-right position. In total, the Moroccan, who joined for £33million in 2020, has scored 14 goals and grabbed 10 assists in 83 appearances.

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Tuchel’s potential exodus of forward players may continue with Pulisic, who could be allowed to leave if the Blues can recoup most of the £58million they paid Borussia Dortmund three years ago. The US international has directly contributed to 44 goals in 115 appearances and has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.

Elsewhere, it is safe to say Lukaku’s return to Chelsea has not gone to plan following his club-record £97.5million switch to Stamford Bridge this time last year. The Belgium international has struck just eight times in the league and could be set for an immediate move back to Inter with the two parties discussing a possible transfer.

Someone who the Blues could sign, however, is Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, who has attracted interest from Tuchel. Arsenal are also said to be keen on the 27-year-old but the prospect of Champions League football would surely tempt Sterling to choose Chelsea if deals were put on the table. Sterling scored 17 goals for City last season.

Jules Kounde has emerged as Chelsea’s top centre-back target with the Blues needing to replace Rudiger and Christensen this summer. Levi Colwill is expected to be part of Tuchel’s pre-season plans after he impressed on loan at promotion-chasing Huddersfield last term, while Reece James featured as one of the three central defenders towards the end of the campaign.