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Reigning European champions Chelsea are one of the most ambitious football clubs in the world. The Roman Abramovich-owned Blues are on an endless course of self-improvement, always striving to play better and win bigger than the day before.
Every player worth their salt wishes to be involved in such a grand, enterprising project, but sustaining at the club is a different ballgame altogether. Even if one beats the competition and becomes a regular at the club, the matter of getting the right contract remains. And that, unfortunately, can open a can of worms. Chelsea are known to play hardball with agents, which often makes it difficult to extend their clinets' stay at Stamford Bridge.
Today, we will take a look at five players from the Blues’ current squad who are not exactly the happiest campers. From wanting security to getting regular minutes on the pitch, their demands are quite diverse, and the west Londoners are yet to agree to them.
Now, without further ado, let us check out five players who could leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season:
#5 Kepa Arrizabalaga
The Blues signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for a whopping €80million fee in the summer of 2018. The Spaniard was expected to set the Premier League alight with his work between the sticks, but failed miserably in his debut season. The former Bilbao man has struggled to find his footing since.
Courtesy of Chelsea's first-choice keeper Edouard Mendy, Kepa has barely played in the Premier League this season. Despite proving his mettle in the EFL Cup, coach Thomas Tuchel has kept him on the bench in the league and the Champions League.
The 27-year-old has been performing with a smile on his face so far, but we don’t expect him to continue in the same fashion for long.
Unless he plays more regularly, he is unlikely to make a single appearance for Spain at the World Cup later this year. The Blues, too, could earn a good amount of money by selling their in-form second-choice keeper.
A transfer in the summer transfer window seems to be a win-win for both parties involved.
#4 Andreas Christensen
Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen will be out of contract in June 2022. The club and the player have reportedly had multiple sittings, trying to find a middle ground but haven’t had any luck yet.
The west London outfit do not want to lose the Denmark international, but have not shown desperation either.
Christensen, who was an integral part of the team last term, has only started 11 Premier League games for the Blues this season. The fact that Thomas Tuchel can comfortably cope without him in the starting XI does not bode well for the player.
Ultimately, it could boil down to the Dane and his priorities. If he takes the initiative to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge, we believe, Tuchel’s side would be happy to oblige.
#3 Cesar Azipilicueta
Since moving to Chelsea ahead of the 2012-13 season, Cesar Azpilicueta has been a constant in the team. The captain has always led his side with composed ferocity, never doing anything to hurt his team’s ambitions.
He has been a model citizen off the pitch as well, distancing himself from unsettling controversies and rumors. Yet, despite all he brings to the table, Tuchel’s side have reportedly been denying him the security he craves.
Currently in his 10th season at the club, the right-back will be out of contract in June. The Blues are more than happy to give him a one-year extension, but that is not enough for the 32-year-old.
Azpilicueta allegedly wants the security of a two-year contract but has hit a brick wall in his pursuit. La Liga giants Barcelona are reportedly prepared to meet his demands in order to sign him as a free agent in the summer.
At Stamford bridge, the former Marseille man has celebrated two Premier League titles, one Champions League and one Europa League amongst other honors.
#2 Timo Werner
In the summer of 2020, Chelsea splashed €53 million to acquire Timo Werner’s services from RB Leipzig. Over the last one-and-a-half seasons, the German international has tried his best to prove his worth but has failed miserably.
While on song, Werner can do a lot of damage, but his purple patches have been few and far between so far. The 25-year-old has featured in 11 Premier League games so far this season, registering only a single goal.
His lackluster return has reduced him to a benchwarmer and the club are unlikely to keep him on their payroll for long.
We won’t be surprised if the former Leipzig man finds a new suitor in the upcoming summer transfer window.
#1 Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. The German defender fits Thomas Tuchel’s system like a glove and goes above and beyond to fulfill his coach’s demands.
Considering the relationship between the club and the player, there is no reason why he is on the verge of leaving. Yet, if nothing changes, Rudiger will walk away from Stamford Bridge as a free agent at the end of the season.
The defender, who joined the club in 2017, is reportedly unhappy with his current contract and is looking for a significant pay bump. He is currently earning £130,000-a-week at the Bridge but wants no less than £200,000-a-week to extend his stay.
Considering what he brings to the table, we believe his demands are in line with industry standards. Chelsea are yet to meet his wage demands, but would be wise to do so as soon as possible.
