In the early innings of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea were seen as genuine title contenders. A dip in form has left them scrambling for top four credentials – and a report has now suggested that two of the Italian’s squad are off the market this summer.
As things stand, the west Londoners are sat in fourth and will face Nottingham Forest on the final day. Before that, they travel to Wroclaw, Poland, to lock horns with Real Betis in the final of the continent’s third tier competition: the Europa Conference League.
But, irrespective of their games between now and the end of the season, Maresca and his entourage have their sights set on making changes in the summer months and, in terms of departures, only two players are reportedly safe from being sold.
Although they have a chance to add to their silverware cabinet all while securing Champions League action for next season, things haven’t always gone swimmingly for the Blues – and, as a result, they are expected to oversee a very busy summer.
The Two ‘Untouchable’ Players for Chelsea This Summer
Futures of Christopher Nkunku and Trevoh Chalobah are up for discussion
Adding a new striker is on the cards, per BBC Sport, while a right-footed left-winger is also courted by the capital club – as is a new central defender. And although Todd Boehly and his entourage have favoured younger additions, those with experience at the top level will also be considered.
But what about departures? As is the world of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, teams are often required to sell up as a means of freeing up space and funds – and that may be the case for the powers that be at Stamford Bridge this summer.
A number of current loanees – including Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Axel Diasi, Joao Felix and the like – are said to be on the chopping block, while a sale of Real Madrid-linked Enzo Fernandez is not off the cards at the moment.
Per BBC Sport, there are only two players currently on Chelsea’s books who are viewed as ‘untouchable’ – and they are Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo. “There are also questions around whether big first-team names could leave,” the report stated.
“Caicedo is considered untouchable, despite reports linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia and is in the same category as Palmer. The rest could all be sold at the right price, but Chelsea typically request high fees even for players they do not want.”
Although Palmer, who signed from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, has struggled in front of goal this season, his numbers from his maiden campaign in the capital proved that he has what it takes to spearhead Chelsea to glory.
Caicedo, too, is viewed as crucial to the club’s future prospects. As one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, he was once criticized for his hefty price tag – but his performances across the 2024/25 campaign have been consistently brilliant.