These four Chelsea players may go so Sterling and Dembele can sign

The irony of Wednesday’s reports suggesting Romelu Lukaku was “reduced to tears” upon being informed Chelsea and Inter Milan had agreed his loan, was not lost on Pride of London. I immediately assumed that Blues fans would have to wade through a river consisting of tears of joy, to successfully navigate a way home. With all due respect to the Belgian, whether at fault or otherwise, his transfer to Stamford Bridge shall be remembered as one of the major Premier League disasters. Essentially, when considered factors such as fee offset against the price of this temporary move, it might make the ‘top five’ EPL nightmares.

There is a world-class striker in there someone; maybe Lukaku will once again exhibit his best in Italy’s Serie A. PoL wishes him only good luck, whilst knowing that the imminent switch is best for all parties. However, this departure leaves CFC head coach Thomas Tuchel with a quandary over which star will lead the line on Fulham Road. Will someone in-house such as Kai Havertz become more of a target man in a dual false-nine role? I am not so sure of that, in spite of the German international’s many qualities.

These four Chelsea stars may leave so Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele can sign

Havertz may well be suited elsewhere across the front. It is, however, very likely that Chels’ will sign a notable European centreforward this summer. New chairman Todd Boehly is looking to stabilise the outfit as an EPL challenger following a particularly difficult season away from the pitch.

There is said to be £200million in the transfer kitty in order to replenish the side. Strengthening the defence is a priority – after noteworthy centrebacks left, and possibly Marcos Alonso as well – along with adding attackers. Though, apparently some already fairly established CFC forwards could perhaps be on the move.

This potential eventuality would of course make way for two adaptable, high profile wingers the West London side reportedly covet: Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele. First of all, signing either player would certainly boost the roster in that area. A problem looms over which current Chelsea stars to offload.

Express claim the Londoners might need to sell up to four attackers to create space and lessen the wage bill. The outlet names Callum Hudson-Odoi, Armando Broja, Hakim Ziyech and Kenedy as possible candidates to exit.

Hudson-Odoi still has something to prove at the Bridge, so selling may be a mistake. He is injury prone and polarises supporters, yet might get another season to showcase what he can do. We know Tuchel wishes to assess Broja before making a decision on the Albanian’s future. Retaining the super talented Ziyech requires little thought to me, if feasible. Kenedy is more of a wingback, but won’t see any EPL/Champions League action in a more advanced position.

Meanwhile, Sterling’s known ability in the English top-flight is definitely an appealing aspect. Acquiring the Manchester City man seems extremely workable, with believable claims in articles supporting that sentiment.

Dembele would be a significant incoming, even with regards to merchandise profit etcetera. Obtaining the Frenchman for free actually feels rather unreal, though I’m sure Dembele’s salary will bring Blues executives back down to earth. There is a Barcelona offer on the table – a constant and lofty hurdle for opposing teams. My advice is to get the pair of them in! It is a gamble, but also a large statement of intent.