Ousted star offered shock exit route by Chelsea, but deal hit instant barrier

Chelsea's Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Chelsea offered West Brom the chance to sign midfielder Ross Barkley in the closing stages of the transfer window, according to a report.

The Blues only spent on one new arrival during the summer. However, striker Romelu Lukaku cost Thomas Tuchel’s side £97.5million from Inter as he re-signed. As such, much of the focus before and after was on recouping money with player exits, both on loan and in permanent deals.

Chelsea enjoyed success on that front. They sold centre-back Kurt Zouma to West Ham, while striker Tammy Abraham signed for Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

However, England international Barkley was one player who did not get away. The 27-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and spent last season on loan at Aston Villa.

While he did not complete another exit – be it permanent or temporary – The Telegraph has revealed that Chelsea offered him a move to West Brom.

However, Barkley’s £110,000 per week wages caused the hopes of the deal to fall instantly flat.

The Baggies re-entered the Championship this season following last season’s relegation. As such, they could not afford his salary.

Tuchel said recently of the player’s future: “He tried to go on loan again, to find a club, but it is not easy.

Three Chelsea players who could leave in January...

Three Chelsea players who could leave in January...

We take a look at three players who could depart Chelsea in the January transfer window.

“The situation out there, the financial impact from corona to clubs abroad and clubs also within the country is huge. It’s not easy to find clubs who are able to invest.

“It’s hard to see people struggling and struggling with the situation. But the quality that Ross brings to the pitch could help a lot of clubs in Europe.”

Barkley has not made the squad for any of Chelsea’s Premier League matches so far this season. What’s more, Saul Niguez’s arrival on loan from Atletico Madrid make his chances of action look slimmer.

Chelsea consider transfer target alternative

Wissam Ben Yedder Jules Kounde France training June 2021 TEAMtalk

While Chelsea brought in a midfielder and a striker, they did not find a new recruit for their defence.

They did target Sevilla’s Jules Kounde right up until deadline day, but the Spanish side moved the goalposts over a deal, which therefore collapsed.

The Blues could return for the France international in the January transfer window.

However, fresh reports have claimed that they are now eyeing an alternative target from Serie A.