Six players that Jose Mourinho should allow to leave Chelsea if they are to avoid a repeat of the trophyless 2013/14 season.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was disappointed with his side’s failure to claim any silverware at Stamford Bridge last season, meaning that changes are inevitable at the club this summer.
The Blues are expected to complete a deal for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa in the coming days, whilst numerous other players have been linked with a move to Chelsea.
This means that Mourinho is going to have to find space in his squad for the new arrivals, with these six amongst the players that he should be looking to move on.
6. Petr Cech
Despite being of the world’s best goalkeepers, Petr Cech’s place at Chelsea is under threat due to the emergence of Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgian had another superb season for Atletico Madrid, including during the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, but he is growing impatient with being stuck behind Cech at Stamford Bridge.
With Courtois arguably being better than Cech already and considerably younger, Mourinho could make the decision to let Cech go and ensure that Courtois doesn’t look to leave.
5. Demba Ba
Despite coming to prominence at the end of last season, particularly with his pivotal goal against Liverpool at Anfield, Senegalese striker Demba Ba should still be deemed surplus to requirements.
Ba hasn’t been prolific since arriving at Stamford Bridge and with Mourinho looking to strengthen his frontline the former Newcastle United man is likely to be out of the door.
4. Victor Moses
Winger Victor Moses is unlikely to be in Mourinho’s plans once he returns from a season long loan deal at Liverpool, with Moses having struggled to make an impact with Brendan Rodgers’ team.
It is almost certain that Chelsea will be looking to offload the Nigerian international, but the Blues will be hoping that a strong performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup can boost his price.
3. Ramires
Brazilian international Ramires has been a key man for Chelsea over the last couple of years, but some are growing concerned by his inconsistent performances and lack of discipline on the pitch.
With Nemanja Matic having a place in the team nailed down and Mourinho linked with numerous central midfielders, including Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas, Ramires should be moved on to raise funds for a replacement.
2. Ryan Bertrand
Left back Ryan Bertrand has spent the last six months of the 2013/14 season on loan at Aston Villa, with his performances unlikely to have convinced Mourinho that he is worth keeping at the club.
Liverpool have been mentioned as possible suitors, but with Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno set to move to Anfield, it looks as though Chelsea will have to find an alternative destination for Bertrand.
1. John Obi Mikel
Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel has now been at Chelsea for eight years, but the 2013/14 season under Jose Mourinho may prove to be his last at the club.
With Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas heading a list of potential central midfield targets for the Blues and Mikel having played a largely peripheral role last season, his time at the club looks to be coming to an end.
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