'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The winter transfer window is here already. Many clubs across the continent will be working to re-structure their squads, selling players who are surplus to requirement and recruiting fresh legs to replace them.
The likes of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund have taken this big step, signing Takumi Minamino and Erling Braut Haaland respectively from RB Salzburg following their brilliant performances in the Champions League earlier this season. Another club that also needs to take this step is Chelsea.
The Blues need to make a couple of vital signings this January. Frank Lampard’s men have lost three and drawn one of their last six league matches, which highlights their need for re-inforcement.
The likes of Wilfried Zaha, Jadon Sancho, and Benjamin Chilwell have been linked with a move to the club. As some players will be coming in this January, some will also need to leave. In line with that, this piece will consider five players who could call time on their spells at Stamford Bridge in the current transfer window:
#5 Marcos Alonso
Everyone remembers when Marcos Alonso was one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. The Spaniard rose to prominence immediately he switched to Stamford Bridge, putting up extraordinary performances for Chelsea and quickly drawing the attention of football fans across Europe. Well, it hurts to learn that those days are already over.
Alonso isn't at that level anymore, as the defender has fallen off his lofty standards. He's bagged just a goal and two assists for Chelsea in the Premier League so far this season.
It doesn't look like Frank Lampard has the Spaniard in his plans at Stamford Bridge. He's granted him little to no game time in the English top-flight, as the manager prefers deploying Emerson at left-back, which is enough to tell Alonso it's time to move on. It shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that the two parties part ways before the end of January.
#4 Olivier Giroud
When you look at Chelsea's squad this season, paying attention to the performances and situation surrounding each superstar, you'd most likely conclude that now is the right time for the club and its French striker, Olivier Giroud, to part ways.
The brilliant performances of players like Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi so far during the season have rendered Giroud surplus to requirement at Stamford Bridge. The former Arsenal sharpshooter has become Chelsea's third-choice striker. He has recorded just five Premier League appearances this term, with no goal or assists to his name.
Speculations suggest Giroud has his mind away from London. If reports are to believed, several clubs from within and outside Europe are interested in sealing the signature of the striker. Chelsea, meanwhile, are willing to offer him to Crystal Palace as they bid to win the race to sign Wilfried Zaha from Selhurst Park this month.
#3 Andreas Christensen
The decline of Andreas Christensen is one thing that surprises many Chelsea fans. After falling out of favour during the spell of Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge, many expected him to once more become a vital figure at the club under the management of Frank Lampard.
However, the reverse has been the case for the Danish centre-back since the campaign kicked off. Christensen has managed a paltry eight appearances for the Blues in the Premier League this season. In the Champions League, the 23-year-old has featured in just two games, which is isn't nice for a player his age.
With rumours linking former Chelsea centre-back Nathanial Ake back to the team, opportunities could be even more difficult to come by. As such, it will be better for the Dane to consider a move away from London. A return to Germany might be the best option for him, as he excelled during his previous outing in the Bundesliga.
#2 Pedro Rodriquez
When we consider the players who are primed to leave Chelsea, one of the names that quickly come to mind is Pedro. The Spanish international's contract at Stamford Bridge will run out at the end of the current campaign, and it doesn't look like he would be granted an extension.
Pedro seems to be living on borrowed time in London, as the attacker is clearly out of Frank Lampard's plans. This is highlighted in the number of games he's featured in for the Blues this season. He's bagged a paltry 11 appearances across all competitions so far, recording just 1 goal and 2 assists.
It appears the end is already here for the pacey winger. He recently revealed that he'd cherish a return to his former club, FC Barcelona, which suggests that his mind is set on leaving. Whether Barca comes for him remains to be seen but, notwithstanding, his departure is imminent.
#1 Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley is another superstar Chelsea could lose in the January transfer window. The attacking midfielder arrived with a lot of expectations on his shoulders when he switched to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2018. He was quick to earn comparisons with Chelsea legend and current Blues manager Frank Lampard, following a series of impressive performances.
However, the Englishman has since gone below the radar under the management of Lampard. Barkley isn't finding it easy at Stamford Bridge. He's appeared in just six Premier League games for the Blues this term and is reportedly not happy with his situation.
As a result, the chance that he could leave the club in the current transfer window is high. Given his age and potential, Barkley won't be short of options. Rumours are circulating that he could pull a reunion with former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte at Inter Milan. A loan move is being touted by the Serie A giants.
