
Chelsea are gearing up for another potential mass exodus this summer. The Blues are looking to streamline their squad to avoid breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
The Telegraph reports that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has travelled to Saudi Arabia for a sit down with former Blues sporting director Michael Emenalo to discuss potential sales.
After announcing a pre-tax loss of approximately £90 million for the 2022/23 season, the west London giants are keen to raise funds from player sales with PSR breathing down their neck.
They have spent around £1 billion since Todd Boehly and co. took the reins at Stamford Bridge, and rival clubs believe Chelsea will need to raise at least £100m in player sales before the June 30 accounting cut-off.
However, the Blues are no strangers to striking lucrative deals for their employees, and this summer should be no different, with at least four players facing the axe.
The most notable name on the chopping block is undeniably Romelu Lukaku, who remains on Chelsea’s payroll despite falling out of favour at the club.
Chelsea tried shipping him off to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) last summer, but he turned down the riches of the Gulf State in favour of remaining in Europe.
Since landing a loan move to AS Roma, the Belgian marksman has recaptured his excellent goalscoring form, netting 18 times in 36 appearances across all competitions.
Chelsea will hope his form ramps up interest in his services and prompt potential suitors to activate his £37m release clause, but his next landing spot could be the SPL as European clubs remain reluctant.
He could be joined by Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is currently on loan at Real Madrid, with the Blues desperate to get the Spaniard and his enormous salary off their wage bill.
Raheem Sterling and Marc Cucurella are the other names linked with a summer switch to the SPL, although the former had previously rejected the advances of the Middle East nation.
Chelsea need to raise cash to fund their summer recruitment plans as their current financial situation suggests they would struggle to land a marquee signing without player sales.
