Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Liverpool and Newcastle to pounce for two Chelsea stars as Boehly signs off on brutal nine-man clearout

Chelsea stars Raheem Sterling, Hakim Ziyech and Conor Gallagher

Chelsea will ‘definitely’ sanction a fire sale this summer under the weight of financial fair play pressure, and two stars of nine named by a report are of particular interest to Liverpool and Newcastle.

The Blues have splashed out well in excess of £550m over the last two transfer windows. Results on the pitch are yet to reflect their ambition in the market, though it cannot be argued a high calibre squad is already in place for whoever becomes the next permanent manager.

However, the Blues look destined to miss out on European football altogether next season. Chelsea currently seven points behind seventh-placed Brighton having played two games more. Finishing seventh would only be good enough for the Europa Conference League anyway.

With a shortfall in their finances on the horizon combining with colossal outlays in recent windows, the Mirror echo the claims Chelsea must tighten their belt moving forward.

Blues chief Todd Boehly is fully aware of the task now facing his side and to fall in line with FFP regulations, a ‘fire sale’ is coming.

Nine Chelsea stars facing the axe

No fewer than nine established first-team stars could reportedly be axed. Per the Mirror, those at risk are Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku.

Of the nine, two stars in particular may find new homes within the Premier League – Gallagher and Mount.

The latter is Chelsea’s two-time and reigning Player of the Year. However, he’s hit a stalemate with regards to signing a contract extension.

Mount’s current deal expires at the end of next season and if a breakthrough isn’t made in the coming months, Chelsea won’t hesitate to sell their homegrown star.

Liverpool’s interest has been well documented and pulling the plug on signing Jude Bellingham has placed greater emphasis on their chase.

90min recently reported there’s a ‘renewed sense of optimism’ Mount will ultimately commit his future at Stamford Bridge.

But if the opposite happens, Liverpool are waiting in the wings and the Mirror state Klopp is particularly attracted to Mount’s technical ability and tireless work rate.

Liverpool vs Newcastle for second Chelsea midfielder

The second player also catching Liverpool’s eye is Conor Gallagher. However, competition on that front will come from Newcastle.

The Independent reported Gallagher’s profile as an all-action and energetic midfielder has rocketed him up Liverpool’s midfield shortlist. The Reds’ engine room has lacked legs this term and Gallagher will run through brick walls for his managers.

The Mirror back up Liverpool’s interest in the player, though add Newcastle are also ‘keen’ on taking Gallagher away from Stamford Bridge.

The Magpies look certain to be in Europe next season and a raft of readymade and proven additions are required.

Man Utd’s Scott McTominay is an alternative to Gallagher and is in Newcastle’s sights, though the Scot has earned Erik ten Hag’s trust in recent weeks and may be prevented from leaving.

In any case, the Mirror declare Chelsea will ‘definitely’ sanction a series of exits this summer. If Gallagher and Mount are among those to depart, they may well find new homes within the Premier League.

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