The Express reports that as many as nine players could leave Chelsea this summer – from several pieces of dead wood to numerous key members of their title-winning side.
The Blues have endured a disastrous defence to their Premier League crown and were dumped out of the Champions League and FA Cup this week to leave them with little to play for.
Guus Hiddink will oversee the rest of the campaign before a new manager arrives to begin the rebuilding job, which The Express indicates could start with a significant squad exodus.
The Express understands that last season’s PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard could be sold to Paris Saint-Germain, who are also eyeing an audacious bid for Thibaut Courtois.
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And the Londoners could lose two more first-team regulars to a European giant, with Juventus keen on controversial striker Diego Costa as well as Oscar, according to The Express.
Nemanja Matic, Loic Remy, Pedro, Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato, who is yet to play for Chelsea since arriving in January, could also be out of Stamford Bridge, The Express adds.
Hazard has suffered a massive dip in form this term and his heart does not seem to be in it. He has yet to score a Premier League goal, but could still pocket Chelsea big cash if he leaves.
Pedro, Falcao and Pato – three league goals between them – have been disappointing signings – while Remy has barely been given a chance and would be right to seek more regular football.
But Chelsea would likely be very reluctant to sell first-choice goalkeeper Courtois. Costa and Oscar would also be well worth keeping if they can be controlled and motivated respectively.
For all of his baggage – illustrated by yesterday’s sending off in the 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Everton – Costa remains one of the best strikers in Europe and has shown that with his recent form.
And it would also be premature to give up on Matic, who has been a shadow of the player who dominated opposing midfield last term, but could enjoy a renaissance under the right manager.
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