As the 2025 summer transfer window nears its close on September 1, Chelsea Football Club, under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, is in the midst of a significant squad overhaul. Following a successful 2024/25 season that saw the Blues secure fourth place in the Premier League and win both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, Maresca is focused on streamlining his roster to align with his tactical vision. With a bloated squad of over 40 players, Chelsea are actively looking to offload several players to raise funds, reduce wage bills, and make room for potential marquee signings like Xavi Simons or Alejandro Garnacho. Below, we delve into five Chelsea players who could still be sold before the transfer deadline, based on the latest developments as of August 12, 2025.
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### 1. Raheem Sterling – A High-Wage Liability
Raheem Sterling’s future at Chelsea looks increasingly uncertain. The 30-year-old winger, who joined from Manchester City for £50m in 2022, has struggled to justify his £325,000-a-week salary, the highest at the club. His loan spell at Arsenal last season was underwhelming, with only 2 goals and 3 assists in 15 Premier League appearances, and his pre-season performances for Chelsea in 2025 have failed to impress Maresca. With new attacking options like Jamie Gittens, Pedro Neto, and Estevao Willian vying for places, Sterling has been relegated to the fringes, excluded from Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad. Clubs like Fulham, Juventus, and Napoli have shown interest, but his high wages and £20m valuation could complicate a permanent move. A loan with an obligation to buy or a significant pay cut might be necessary to facilitate his exit, making Sterling a prime candidate for departure before the window shuts.
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### 2. Ben Chilwell – Out of Favor and Injury-Prone
Ben Chilwell, once a standout left-back, has fallen out of favor at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, has struggled with persistent injuries, missing 34 matches over the past two seasons, and doesn’t fit Maresca’s possession-based system. Marc Cucurella has cemented his place as the starting left-back, while new signing Jorrel Hato offers long-term potential. Chilwell’s eight appearances for Palace in 2024/25 haven’t convinced the Eagles to pursue a permanent deal, and his £200,000-a-week contract has deterred other suitors, including Manchester United. Reports suggest Chelsea are open to terminating his contract if no buyer emerges, as his lack of game time and tactical misalignment make him surplus to requirements. With two years left on his deal, Chilwell’s departure—whether permanent or via termination—seems likely before September 1.
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### 3. Axel Disasi – Surplus Defender
Axel Disasi, the 27-year-old French center-back, is another player Chelsea are keen to offload. After a loan spell at Aston Villa in the second half of the 2024/25 season, where he made 12 appearances but failed to secure a permanent move, Disasi has returned to a crowded Chelsea defense. Maresca’s preference for ball-playing defenders like Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, and Mamadou Sarr has left Disasi on the periphery, limited to Conference League and cup outings last season. Interest from the Saudi Pro League has cooled, and Villarreal balked at Chelsea’s €25-30m asking price. With the Blues eyeing a new center-back like Marc Guehi or Jarrad Branthwaite, Disasi’s sale would free up funds and squad space. His versatility and experience could still attract a mid-tier European club, making a last-minute transfer plausible.
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### 4. Carney Chukwuemeka – Talent Without a Role
Carney Chukwuemeka, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, has immense potential but has failed to break into Maresca’s plans. Signed from Aston Villa for £20m in 2022, Chukwuemeka spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he made 10 Bundesliga appearances but didn’t convince the German club to pursue a permanent deal. Maresca’s midfield is stacked with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and new signing Dario Essugo, leaving little room for Chukwuemeka’s development. Interest from Juventus and Dortmund persists, but Chelsea are holding out for a fee close to their initial investment. With Maresca prioritizing established stars like Cole Palmer in attacking midfield roles, Chukwuemeka’s lack of minutes—zero Premier League starts in 2024/25—makes him a strong candidate for a permanent exit before the deadline.
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### 5. Christopher Nkunku – Injury-Plagued and Underperforming
Christopher Nkunku’s time at Chelsea has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. The 27-year-old Frenchman, signed from RB Leipzig for £52m in 2023, has managed just 6 Premier League goals in two seasons due to a knee injury and subsequent setbacks. Despite showing flashes of brilliance at the 2025 Club World Cup, where he scored twice, Nkunku has struggled to displace Cole Palmer as Chelsea’s attacking talisman or adapt to Maresca’s versatile attacking roles. With Liam Delap and Joao Pedro emerging as preferred forwards, and Chelsea eyeing another marquee striker, Nkunku’s market value has plummeted. Tottenham have been linked with a loan move, but Chelsea are keen on a permanent sale to recoup part of their investment. His injury history and lack of consistent impact make him a likely departure as the Blues look to streamline their attack.
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### Why These Sales Matter
Chelsea’s aggressive transfer strategy under Clearlake Capital has seen over €1.3 billion spent since 2022, with £243.4m invested in the 2025 summer window alone on players like Joao Pedro (£60m), Jamie Gittens (£48.5m), and Liam Delap (£30m). However, the club has also raised £132.2m through sales, including Joao Felix (£43.7m to Al-Nassr), Noni Madueke (£48.5m to Arsenal), and Djordje Petrovic (£25m to Bournemouth). Offloading Sterling, Chilwell, Disasi, Chukwuemeka, and Nkunku could push Chelsea’s total income closer to £200m, offsetting their £111.2m net spend and ensuring compliance with Premier League financial rules.
Maresca’s vision demands a leaner squad tailored to his high-pressing, possession-based 4-3-3 system. The players listed above either don’t fit tactically, carry high wages, or lack the consistency to compete in a squad aiming for a Premier League title challenge and Champions League success. With interest in high-profile targets like Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho intensifying, these sales are critical to funding further additions before the window closes.
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### Challenges and Outlook
Selling these players won’t be straightforward. Sterling and Chilwell’s high wages have deterred buyers, while Disasi and Nkunku’s diminished market value could force Chelsea to accept losses. Chukwuemeka’s youth offers hope for a decent fee, but his limited game time makes negotiations tricky. Posts on X reflect fan frustration with the slow pace of departures, with one user urging Chelsea’s hierarchy to “do something” to finalize sales of Sterling, Chilwell, and others. Despite these challenges, Chelsea’s recent success in offloading players like Felix and Madueke suggests they can navigate the market effectively.
As Chelsea prepare for their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 17, Maresca’s focus is on building a cohesive unit. By moving on Sterling, Chilwell, Disasi, Chukwuemeka, and Nkunku, he can refine his squad and set the stage for a competitive 2025/26 season. The next 19 days will be crucial as Chelsea aim to balance their books and squad dynamics before the transfer window slams shut.
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