3 world-class players Chelsea look destined to lose in the summer

Chelsea’s season is starting to unravel, with manager Antonio Conte’s future up in the air currently, in a similar fashion to how Jose Mourinho fared in his second stint at Stamford Bridge.

His potential exit could see a number of players also jumping ship as the Blues’ recruitment policy and title defence has gone to pieces, weakening the squad and creating off-field problems, according to reports.

While capable of rising from the ashes next season, Chelsea’s inconsistency and lack of direction could see three key players consider their options in the summer.

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#1 Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid

Courtois has long spoken about his desire to return to Madrid

The Belgian goalkeeper recently admitted his “heart belongs to Madrid”. He’s been linked with a move to Spain for some time too, with Real reportedly wanting him since 2014. Courtois said his children live in Madrid with their mother, so he returns to the Spanish capitol as much as possible.

This is music to the ears of Real. Los Blancos are said to be lining him up as a replacement for Keylor Navas. Courtois spent three years on loan with Atletico Madrid and could well join their fierce rivals for the right price in the summer.

The 25-year-old won't come cheap, however, as he's worth more than £60m to Chelsea. He doesn't need to prove himself in Spain, given he picked up 76 clean sheets in 154 games for Atletico while on loan.

And with his contract up in 2019, the Blues might be forced to cash in this summer if contract talks break down, otherwise they risk losing Courtois for nothing in 18 months.

#2 N’Golo Kante to Paris Saint-Germain

Kante is one of the best ball-winners in the world,and was a target for PSG back in 2016.

French midfielder N’Golo Kante has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, who reportedly wanted the 26-year-old before he joined Chelsea in the summer of 2016.

Kante is one of the best ball-winning midfielders in the world, and would create a perfect destroyer/creator partnership alongside deep-lying playmaker Marco Verratti.

Kante moved on from Leicester just months after winning the Premier League title 18 months ago, so it wouldn’t be a major shock for him to exit Stamford Bridge. He's worth nearly £90m but what he brings makes him worth every penny.

The midfielder has averaged a tackle or interception every 16 minutes in the Premier League this season, and is arguably the best defensive midfield option for such an attack-minded PSG side.

#3 Eden Hazard to Real Madrid

Madrid's interest in Hazard has been long-lasting..

Hazard has been linked with a move away from Chelsea for some time, with Real Madrid lining him up as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. Los Blancos came in for the Belgian forward before he eventually joined Chelsea in 2012, and they've not given up trying to sign him since.

Hazard’s father even recently suggested the Belgian was holding off on contract talks to push through a move to Real, and Chelsea's struggles this season will boost the La Liga side's hopes of landing the 27-year-old.

Real are having their own title defence problems this season, which could force them to spend big in the summer to strengthen the squad.

Since joining Chelsea, Hazard has scored and created 103 goals in 160 Premier League games, which could convince Los Blancos that he's prolific enough to replace Ronaldo.