Chelsea will go into this summer transfer window full of hope and expectation. The Blues need to finalise multiple incomings and outgoings.
The squad is bloated but lacks real quality when it comes to experienced leaders with a winning mentality.
Not only is there huge uncertainty around Liam Delap following his failed transfer from Ipswich Town last summer, but Enzo Fernandez's past comments linking him to Real Madrid have cast doubt on his future, too.
Irrespective of which players go, some will certainly make way for new additions. The priority positions will be at least one new centre back, striker and midfielder.
Romeo Lavia could leave Chelsea this summer
Romeo Lavia is an incredibly gifted player, but his struggles with injuries have made him a thorn in the side for any manager.
The 22-year-old, who signed from Southampton in 2023, has missed more games through injury than he's played, and in this day and age, availability is it's own attribute.
It is because of the Belgian's shocking fitness record that Chelsea could get rid at the end of the season. According to journalist Simon Phillips, the Blues may look to offload Lavia and/or Andrey Santos.
Even more worryingly, though, the name on the Blues' shortlist to replace either, or both, is certain to raise eyebrows.
Chelsea shortlist Hayden Hackney as possible Lavia replacement
Prior to his sacking, and in response to Chelsea abandoning their youth transfer model, Liam Rosenior confirmed the club's sporting department "know what they need".
Judging by which player they're scouting now, it seems the club are already backtracking on that earlier realisation, though.
According to Phillips, Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney is a player the sporting directors appreciate.
The 23-year-old has had an excellent season at the Riverside Stadium, no doubt. He's been a crucial part of Boro's promotion-chasing side, directly contributing to 13 goals in 38 Championship appearances.
Valued at less than £30 million and with just 12 months left on his contract, Hackney would not only be an attainable target — especially if Boro fail to win promotion — but he'd be a cost effective option too.
However, the midfielder's lack of experience, particularly in the top flight, is a major red flag. The Blues have gambled on young talent with potential enough times to know they need already-proven players, and unfortunately for Hackney, that's not him.
Regardless of how good Boro's number seven could be, one thing is for sure, he isn't going to take Chelsea from Champions League exile to title contenders.
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