As Todd Boehly slipped down into his seat, head in hands, after watching Chelsea throw away their two-goal lead against Wolves, the reality of the situation would have dawned on him. His new era at Stamford Bridge must begin with an overhaul.
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There has been a complaint from supporters that their players are coasting to the end of the season, but there is still lots on the line. A comprehensive third-placed finish would help, while lifting the FA Cup later this month would lift the gloom.
As it stands, though, there is a feeling that this cycle at Stamford Bridge is over. With new owners coming in to oust Roman Abramovich, and several big-name signings flattering to deceive, now is the perfect time to tear the project up and start again.
So, with this in mind, Sportsmail has rated each player and their chances of staying…
Todd Boehly is set to begin his new Chelsea era, which will see players bought and shipped out
The jury is still out on Romelu Lukaku, who has largely failed to impress despite his price tag
EDOUARD MENDY
There can be no complaints over this one. He is a goalkeeper that has occasionally flown under the radar, but his heroics have kept Chelsea alive since his arrival.
Missing out on the Ballon d’Or shortlist was a travesty and, while he would be the first to admit his form has dipped, he should be the club’s No 1 for years to come.
VERDICT – KEEP
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA
It just hasn’t worked out for Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea. Recruited for an eye-watering sum, he has failed to impress between the sticks more often than not.
There have been high points, of course, but he does not resemble a goalkeeper defenders can trust to bail them out. In the new era, he is expendable.
VERDICT – GO
Kepa Arrizabalaga was not able to keep his No 1 status between the sticks after several errors
MARCUS BETTINELLI
Well liked in the dressing room, Marcus Bettinelli has taken on his back-up role superbly. However, there is no need for him at Stamford Bridge next season.
Clubs have leaned towards recruiting experienced heads to play second or third fiddle, and Bettinelli has admirably ticked those boxes despite his lack of games.
VERDICT – GO
ANTONIO RUDIGER
This is a decision that has already been made. Antonio Rudiger will indeed leave Chelsea this summer, with reports claiming he will head to Real Madrid.
His deal will run down at the end of the season, and he will earn a warm farewell. The centre back enjoyed a resurgence under Thomas Tuchel, and will be sorely missed.
VERDICT – GO
MARCOS ALONSO
This flying full back is another player seemingly destined for the exit door. He was taken off just after half-time against Wolves, a tactical decision from his manager.
Marcos Alonso demonstrated his goalscoring prowess with his thumping strike against Manchester United, and he has been a superb performer for his club.
VERDICT – GO
Marcos Alonso is destined for the exit and found himself hauled off early on against Wolves
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN
Despite his purple patches wearing blue, centre back Andreas Christensen just doesn’t have the physicality or ability to start for Chelsea heading into next season.
He himself has admitted that his backline’s performances have not been good enough and, with Barcelona reportedly circling, not may be a good time to move on.
VERDICT – GO
THIAGO SILVA
After penning a contract extension, Thiago Silva is likely to stay at Chelsea until the end of the next season, in what may be his final year in the Premier League.
Just like those around him, when his team’s set-up is correct, he looks superb. But when they are all at sea, Silva has been exposed. Despite this, he is still reliable.
VERDICT – KEEP
TREVOH CHALOBAH
Yes, he has made mistakes during his brief cameos, and yes, he is still raw. But Trevoh Chalobah can rightly feel hard done by over his lack of action this season.
Tuchel was the one to block him leaving on loan last summer and he enjoyed a superb start to the campaign. There is evident ability there, and he should stay.
VERDICT – KEEP
Trevoh Chalobah has found his game time limited and deserves to fight for his spot at the club
BEN CHILWELL
This is a no-brainer. Ben Chilwell looked to set to be one of the best full backs in world football this season, before he was forced to undergo knee surgery.
Since then, he has been on the road to recovery, and Chelsea supporters will be hoping that he re-finds his feet, and his best form, sooner rather than later.
VERDICT – KEEP
REECE JAMES
It is understood that one of Todd Boehly’s first priorities at the helm of the west London outfit is to renew the contract of standout defender Reece James.
And it is clear to see why. James is a crucial part in how Chelsea play under Thomas Tuchel, and he has excelled at both ends of the pitch. He is a long-term superstar.
VERDICT – KEEP
CESAR AZPILICUETA
He looks likely to leave with Barcelona firmly in the race, but Cesar Azpilicueta has been a reliable performer for Chelsea and provides bundles of experience.
Letting him go ahead of what may be a campaign of uncertainty could be foolish. They would be better served handing him one more year, and leaning on him.
VERDICT – KEEP
Cesar Azpilicueta may also move this summer, but Chelsea could keep him for his experience
MALANG SARR
He was made to look foolish in the 4-2 defeat by Arsenal, a performance which showed once and for all that Malang Sarr is just not good enough for Chelsea.
Lumbering and prone to mistakes, the defender has struggled to impress in the capital. He has his high points, but Thomas Tuchel cannot rely on him to step up.
VERDICT – GO
JORGINHO
This is a controversial pick, but Jorginho may be the perfect makeweight for Chelsea in their attempts to strengthen their midfield, despite his metronomic performances.
He enjoyed a superb 2021, having also won Euro 2020 with Italy, but has dropped away from his best form as of late. Declan Rice could be the perfect replacement.
VERDICT – GO
N’GOLO KANTE
Despite him showing signs of his advancing age, N’Golo Kante is still his side’s standout midfield enforcer. He is also well respected and adored by the squad.
It would be silly, then, for Chelsea to show him the door. Instead, they should place a hand around his shoulders and ease their ‘superman’ through his tough patch.
VERDICT – KEEP
N’Golo Kante is still his side’s best midfield enforcer, despite him enduring a drop in form
MATEO KOVACIC
Chelsea have missed the creativity of Mateo Kovacic while he has been absent through injury, and Thomas Tuchel will be desperate to get him back in his team.
Earlier this year, he insisted that the club want to be ‘at the top’ across all competitions, and central midfielder Kovacic can help them do just that next year.
VERDICT – KEEP
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK
One man desperate to keep standards high at Chelsea is Ruben Loftus-Cheek. He also saw a goal ruled out against Wolves, and has enjoyed a recent resurgence.
He has been brought back in from the cold this season, although he has also been linked with a move away this summer. Loftus-Cheek deserved regular game time.
VERDICT – GO
SAUL NIGUEZ
What a disastrous loan spell this has turned out to be. He is almost certain to return to his parent club, Atletico Madrid, this summer after failing to get a look in.
Thomas Tuchel said he was ‘grateful’ for the midfielder, but there is a reason he has not called upon him. He provided squad depth, but little else, and can leave.
VERDICT – GO
Saul Niguez’s loan spell has been disastrous and he is certain to return to Atletico Madrid
ROSS BARKLEY
He has benefitted from Chelsea shuffling their ranks at times this season, but Ross Barkley is not a regular at the club and as a result, will certainly go this summer.
The former Everton playmaker did enjoy a handful of good performances, but he has only found himself drifting further away from the first-team picture at the Bridge.
VERDICT – GO
MASON MOUNT
Todd Boehly’s consortium are also desperate to tie down Mason Mount to fresh terms, and it is clear to see why. He has been one of his team’s best performers.
It is crucial that the Blues get ahead of the game and award their academy graduate with the contract he deserves, and they can safely rely on him to keep dazzling.
VERDICT – KEEP
ROMELU LUKAKU
Despite scoring a brace against Wolves, Romelu Lukaku has largely resembled a square peg in a round hole since re-joining Chelsea for a second stint last summer.
Quite simply, he doesn’t fit into the system used by Thomas Tuchel, and that may never change. He may merit another season on his price tag along, however.
VERDICT – JURY’S OUT
Lukaku impressed against Wolves but appears a square peg in a round hole with the Blues
CHRISTIAN PULISIC
The father of Christian Pulisic has openly taken aim at his son’s lack of game time, although Thomas Tuchel has insisted he holds a good relationship with the forward.
Last season, Pulisic was nothing short of outstanding, although fitness issues and poor form have hurt this year. Similarly to Lukaku, he may be worth sticking with.
VERDICT – JURY’S OUT
TIMO WERNER
There were indications that Borussia Dortmund wanted to free Timo Werner from his nightmare at Chelsea, although the forward has done superbly to win his place back.
That is a testament to his hard work and, while his end product is still lacking at times, there is a renewed sharpness to his game that may well prove invaluable.
VERDICT – KEEP
CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI
The versatility of Callum Hudson-Odoi is a major plus point for him, but he may be tempted to leave for more minutes. Bear in mind, Bayern Munich once wanted him.
As it stands, his future at Stamford Bridge is uncertain, although it could be beneficial to both parties for the winger to be allowed to leave on glowing terms.
VERDICT – GO
Callum Hudson-Odoi may be tempted to leave Chelsea in search of more minutes next season
HAKIM ZIYECH
Competing with the likes of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount is a difficult task, one which Hakim Ziyech has struggled to cope with at times despite his clear ability.
A formidable playmaker and one of Chelsea’s most technically-gifted players, Ziyech has often shone under Thomas Tuchel and will be part of their squad next season.
VERDICT – KEEP
KENEDY
Forgotten man Kenedy was recalled to provide competition in the full back roles, and Thomas Tuchel even urged him to ‘make his mark’. He has not done that, though.
Instead, he has remained on the fringes. Departing the club in the next window would be the best result for all parties, and would end his horrid spell at the Blues.
VERDICT – GO
KAI HAVERTZ
There are rightly questions over the quality of his end product, but Kai Havertz is a favourite under his manager. He is also capable of playing across the front line.
With room to improve, the tricky forward will stay put at the end of the season, and rightly so. But with the eyes of the new owner on him, Havertz must perform.
VERDICT – KEEP