Chelsea struggling to offload unwanted players

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could be forced to start next season with a number of unwanted players in his squad. 

That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim that the Blues are struggling to offload a number of fringe players.

The report claims that Chelsea, who are set to make Jules Kounde their third summer signing in the coming days, have so far been unable to attract interest in the likes of Timo Werner and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The pair have both endured difficult spells at Stamford Bridge, with Kepa having been dropped to second choice ‘keeper and Werner having struggled in front of goal.

Barkley scored in Chelsea’s win over Watford on the final day of last season

It is also claimed that fellow high earners Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi have failed to attract any offers from other clubs.

The Belgian striker has had five loan spells away from the club over the past five seasons, and has made just 77 appearances for the Blues since joining from Marseille in 2016.

Many Chelsea fans fear that the number of players deemed surplus to requirements that may still be with the club next term could prevent opportunities for young players.

That already seems to be the case, as young midfielder Billy Gilmour has left Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the US, while Barkley remains a part of it.