Report: Chelsea begin summer overhaul with major squad clearout plans | OneFootball

Chelsea Plot Ruthless Summer Overhaul Amid High-Profile Exits

Felix’s Farewell on the Cards

Chelsea appear ready to swing the axe once more this summer, with The Standard revealing that Joao Felix is in talks over a return to Benfica. The Portuguese international is reportedly not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans and the Blues are eager to remove his substantial wages from the books. Felix joined Chelsea permanently for £46.3million last summer but was loaned out to AC Milan in January after failing to secure regular playing time.

Benfica’s interest, driven by their manager Bruno Lage—who previously oversaw Felix’s development—adds an emotional layer to the move. However, finances are already proving a hurdle. “The amounts involved, both in transfers and salaries, are very high and we have to respect that part,” said Benfica president Rui Costa, who confirmed interest but cast doubt on the feasibility of a full-scale return. It’s believed Chelsea want £35m, while Benfica are only willing to pay half that for 50% of his rights.

Nkunku Exit An Injury Plagued Time

Another high-profile name potentially heading for the door is Christopher Nkunku. Despite featuring during Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph, the French attacker is expected to be moved on. According to The Standard, he was even offered to Manchester United in a proposed swap for Alejandro Garnacho—an audacious move that ultimately fell through.

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Nkunku’s time at Stamford Bridge has been plagued by injury setbacks, and while talented, his inability to build momentum may have influenced the club’s decision to seek a fresh direction.

Key Sales to Trim Squad and Wages

Elsewhere, the club’s efforts to reduce its bloated wage bill continue with exits lined up for several others. Djordje Petrovic is set to complete a £25m move to Bournemouth, while Kepa Arrizabalaga has already joined Arsenal after they activated his £5m release clause.

There’s also movement on the midfield front. Mathis Amougou, who only joined from Saint-Etienne in February, has been sold to Strasbourg—Chelsea’s sister club. Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, and Carney Chukwuemeka are among those reportedly available for transfer, with reasonable offers being considered.

Maresca’s Blueprint Taking Shape

This aggressive culling signals a sharp new vision under Maresca. With youth at the core and high earners under scrutiny, Chelsea look determined to reshape their squad both financially and structurally. Tyrique George may yet go out on loan, but there’s belief he could stay and be integrated into the first team setup.

Chelsea fans may be split over the exits of players like Nkunku and Sterling, but the club’s direction is clear: clear the decks, trust in youth, and create room for Maresca’s vision to unfold.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, this report from The Standard underlines a pattern that’s becoming all too familiar—constant upheaval. On one hand, there’s a sense of relief. Felix never hit the heights expected, and while the return to Benfica makes emotional sense, £35m is still a hefty valuation. If Chelsea can recoup close to that, fans may feel the club has done decent business.

Nkunku’s situation is more frustrating. His talent is clear, but injuries robbed supporters of seeing him thrive. The failed Garnacho swap rumour, however, feels overly ambitious. If true, it shows Chelsea are still seeking high-risk moves rather than steady progress.

The sales of fringe players like Kepa, Petrovic, and Amougou seem logical, especially with Maresca aiming to streamline the squad. However, talk of Sterling and Chilwell leaving is massively important with both on huge wages, they may be tough to shift.

Overall, fans may back this clearout if it paves the way for a stable project. But there’s also cautious optimism—Chelsea have reset their squad many times before. The hope now is that this iteration finally leads to consistency, rather than another rebuild next summer.