Chelsea are expected to trim their squad in January, with a number of fringe players in line to move on.
The likes of Antonio Rudiger and Olivier Giroud previously ended up staying when it seemed they would go, but this time around we might see a significant number of departures now that it’s clear who is and isn’t in manager Frank Lampard’s plans.
Rudiger on borrowed time
The German, dropped from the side by Lampard, is now being linked with Barcelona.
Spanish newspaper Sport claim Rudiger is among the centre-backs Barca are considering as a possible replacement if Samuel Umtiti leaves the club.
Rudiger is behind the likes of Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma in the pecking order and it seems unlikely that will change.
Drinkwater ready to move on
Drinkwater is clearly not going to play for Chelsea again and, while he has previously seemed resistant to a permanent move away, reports he has compiled video footage of him in action to show clubs suggests he is serious about moving on when the chance next arises.
Alonso and/or Emerson set to go
Crystal Palace are interested in Marcos Alonso, according to the Mail.
The newspaper say left-back Alonso has been identified as a possible replacement for former Chelsea man Patrick van Aanholt, whose Palace contract expires next summer.
There are doubts over whether Van Aanholt will sign a new deal and there has been speculation for some time over the futures of Alonso and Emerson Palmieri, who are being kept out of the Chelsea side by Ben Chilwell.
Alonso has been tipped to leave, as has Emerson, who continues to be linked with a return to Italy.
Deal agreed for Bakayoko
Chelsea and Napoli have reportedly already agreed Tiemoue Bakayoko’s permanent move to the Serie A club after his loan spell.
According to a number of Italian newspapers, the move will go through at the end of the season.
Giroud a wanted man
The Frenchman has been expected to leave previously and ended up staying, but January might well be the time for him to go. He’s behind Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham in the pecking order but clearly still has a lot to offer.
