Chelsea are on the verge of undergoing a midfield revolution this summer as Mauricio Pochettino wants a world class midfield at his disposal. Enzo Fernandez has been a class apart in the first six months at Chelsea but needs reliable partners who can complement him in the middle of the park.
CFC are in negotiations to sign Manuel Ugarte from Sporting. The Blues are also keen to bring Moises Caicedo to London but face competition from a number of English sides. In order to go all out in the transfer window, CFC will first have to sell a number of players as a midfield clearout is on the cards.
The current midfield is stacked with N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Carney Chukwuemeka. Apart from Mount, everyone is a central midfield or a deep midfield option. With more midfielders incoming, it is natural for CFC to part ways with some of the current crop of midfielders. If Ugarte and Caicedo end up joining Chelsea, some of the current midfielders will see a massive reduction in game time.
CFC are already in talks to offload some of the midfielders with negotiations ongoing. Meanwhile, Kante is yet to sign a contract extension and is expected to hold talks with the club soon.
3 midfielders who could leave Chelsea in the summer
Mateo Kovacic
Kovacic was out of form and looked out of sync in the final stages of the Premier League season. The Croatian endured a difficult season where recurring injury issues forced him to miss games. Kovacic started just 17 Premier League games in the 2022-23 season, scoring once and assisting twice.
With new faces expected to come through the doors of Stamford Bridge, CFC remain open on selling Kovacic. The 29 year old enters the final 12 months of his deal this summer and CFC have the best chance to cash in on him now. There are admirers for the Croatian in the Premier League and abroad too as Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich remain keen.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have opened concrete talks to sign the Croatian. Positive talks have taken place with the player’s entourage. In fact, agreement over personal terms is really close and almost completed. The Premier League champions and Chelsea will now be in direct contact over discussion of a transfer fee.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Loftus-Cheek is also on the verge of leaving Chelsea after spending 19 years at the club. The Englishman joined the Chelsea youth setup in 2004 and rose through the ranks. He has been a great squad player to have who can play in multiple positions.
AC Milan have shown interest in Loftus-Cheek as they look to remodel their midfield for next season. Loftus-Cheek has given his green light to join Milan but talks are ongoing between CFC and the Serie A side. As per Fabrizio Romano, Milan are close to agreeing a long term contract with Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, talks continue between Chelsea and Milan over transfer fees and there is optimism that a deal can be completed soon.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount will enter the final 12 months of his deal this summer and despite multiple attempts to extend his deal, both parties have failed to reach an agreement. Contract talks between CFC and Mount have stalled and the possibility of the Englishman leaving is greater than ever. Pochettino admires Mount and wanted the 24 year old to stay but as things stand he will leave the club this summer.
Mount is admired by Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United. According to Jason Burt, Mount has agreed personal terms with Manchester United. Sky Sports also report that MUFC will formally approach Chelsea to sign the Englishman this summer.
There is a difference in valuation as Manchester United are only willing to spend £45 million to £50 million whereas CFC want around £75 million for Mount. It remains to be seen if an agreement can be reached.
Which midfielders will leave CFC in the summer?