When Enzo Maresca took responsibility for Chelsea during the summer he faced the difficult task of leading an over-inflated squad that included as many as 42 first-team players.
There was speculation about how the Italian coach would handle the situation, but he took a decisive approach, offloading several players, sending others out on loan, and benching some entirely.
For those still at Stamford Bridge struggling for game time, the upcoming January transfer window offers a valuable opportunity to seek new opportunities and revitalize their careers.
Connected
Here are seven Chelsea players who could realistically leave in 2025. Mykhailo Mudryk may have been number one on this list, but with his temporary ban from football after failing a doping test, he’s certainly not going anywhere anytime soon.
1
Christopher Nkunku
Linked with: Man Utd, PSG, Arsenal
Christopher Nkunku found himself sidelined in the Premier League this season, despite being Chelsea’s joint-leading scorer with 12 goals in all competitions.
Maresca has shown a clear preference for Nicolas Jackson as his leading striker, and with the Senegalese forward enjoying an impressive season of his own, it seems unlikely that Nkunku will break into Chelsea’s first team in the near future.
A proven top attacking talent, the Frenchman is too skilled to remain on the fringes, and while his departure would undoubtedly disappoint Chelsea fans, it could be his only viable route to regular football.
Both Manchester United and childhood club Paris Saint-Germain they are reportedly looking to secure his services, while the player himself is believed to be ready to move to Arsenal.
2
Carney Chukwuemeka
Linked with: Milan, Aston Villa, Celtic
According to TEAMtalk, they are Milan given the transfer of Carney Chukwuemeka in Januarywho struggled for opportunities under Maresco.
The 21-year-old, signed from Aston Villa for £20m in the summer of 2022, has started just once this season Conference Leagueand did not represent any of the Blues’ Premier League squads.
Earlier this year, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported this Chukwuemeka has a £40m buyout clause in your contract. However, given his recent lack of minutes, Chelsea would either have to accept much less for him or consider letting him go on loan.
With Milan, Aston Villa they want to re-sign the contract with the player, while Celtic they are also interested in Chukwuemeka’s services.
3
Ben Chilwell
Linked with: Man Utd
Ben Chilwell has been a valuable asset for Chelsea since his move from Leicester City in 2020, making over 100 appearances and playing a key role in the club’s Champions League triumph in 2021.
However, a series of injuries and good performances from Marco Cucurella have left the 27-year-old out of favor in west London.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for the England defender in January to address their own problems at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui struggling with physical problems.
4
Cesare Casadei
Related to: Milan, Monza, Leicester
Cesare Casadei has started just four times in all competitions for Chelsea this season and has yet to feature in a single Premier League game. Italy under-21 team Carmine Nunziata thinks he should leave the club.
“Last year, Cesare had a good first half of the season with Leicester and then he went to Chelsea and played a bit,” Nunziata told Rai Radio 1 Sport back in October. “They kept him there this year. I advised him to see how it goes until January; otherwise it is right to explore other options.”
Casadei is reportedly on the radar of several clubs, including AC Milan and Monza, according to CaughtOffsidewhile rumors elsewhere suggested Leicester City could try to bring him back to the club after his loan last season.
5
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Linked with: Arsenal, Man Utd, Tottenham and more
Another former Leicester City player, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, joined Chelsea from the Foxes in the summer in a £30million deal.
But while the England midfielder thrived as a key player for Enzo Maresca at the King Power Stadium last season, things haven’t been so smooth at Stamford Bridge, with the Englishman making just five brief substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Despite earning nine starts in other competitions, the 26-year-old will undoubtedly be looking for more consistent top-flight action, which could only be possible with a move elsewhere.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are among several clubs allegedly monitoring his situation.
Connected
6
A little dense
Linked to: Liverpool
whether Reece James is injured or not, Malo Gusto is Chelsea’s clear first choice at right-back this season, so it’s highly unlikely he’ll be leaving Stamford Bridge anytime soon.
That said, Football Insider claims Liverpool are considering a shock move for the Frenchman in the case of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for Real Madrid.
“Gusto is very highly rated and he’s one of those that their scouts have been keeping an eye on this season,” former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told the publication, adding that the Reds believed they could “get him to move”. .
It would be a huge surprise if Gusto actually went to Anfield, but given his stellar performances for Chelsea this season, it’s easy to see why Liverpool could be interested.
7
Axel Disasi
Associated with: Ligue 1, Serie A
Another player who could leave Stamford Bridge in 2025 is defender Axel Disasi. The Frenchman joined the Blues from AS Monaco in 2023 and is still under contract until 2029, however, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are open to selling Disasi for the right price.
Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi is seen as a potential replacement for Disasi, with clubs in Ligue 1 and Serie A interested in signing the centre-back.
