Enzo Maresca could do with one or two new faces in January, but Chelsea might only be in a position to make signings by offloading their own. It's not usually the best of times to be doing transfer business, but clubs do dip into the market to try and deal with an injury crisis or a lack of firepower.
The Blues are thought to have a squad of 31 players, and that includes U21 talent who don't count towards the Premier League's rule of a maximum squad of 25 men. Constant recruitment has resulted in strength in depth but also the need to part with those on the outskirts of the first team.
3 Chelsea players that Enzo Maresca clearly wants gone
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling has no future at Stamford Bridge and isn't even a member of Maresca's squad. He is in his 'bomb squad' which is a group of unwanted players who the club are looking to sell.
The 30-year-old turned down a loan move to Bayern Munich on deadline day because he didn't want to force his family to relocate. That's reasonable ,but he knew fair well he wasn't in Maresca's plans so a lack of game time is no surprise.
Sterling should be at the top of the for-sale list, and he should be eager to exit. It just hasn't worked out for the English winger since arriving from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for £47.5m.
Axel Disasi
The Professional Footballers' Association have reportedly been in contact with Chelsea over Sterling and Axel Disasi because both aren't training with the first team. It's telling of the situation regarding the duo being frozen out.
Disasi was linked to an exit in the summer, with Bournemouth thought to have been keen in August. But the French centre-back remained in west London when the transfer window slammed shut, and he hasn't featured under Maresca this term.
Benoit Badiashile
Benoit Badiashile has been handed game time unlike Disasi but the French defender's future still isn't certain. He has made three appearances across competitions as Maresca's sought to deal with injuries to Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo.
The 24-year-old's fitness has been issue though and he is dealing with a muscular injury that has plagued him for most of the start of the season. He just can't be relied upon and given his age he could raise a handsome fee with just under five years left on his contract.