sport news Chelsea could face a huge clear-out to balance the books, so who should stay ... trends now
The prospect of a major summer clear-out at Chelsea became increasingly likely when the club announced another huge loss of £121.3million for the year ending June 2022 on Monday.
Chelsea cited 'extraordinary expenses and loss of revenue' due to the impact of sanctions place on former owner Roman Abramovich.
The Blues have insisted they remain compliant with Premier League and UEFA financial regulations, despite their total losses over the last three years standing at £242m. Under Premier League rules clubs must avoid having losses over £105m over a three year period but leeway was granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the £500m transfer spree during Todd Boehly's first year in charge of the club due to be accounted for in next year's financial results, as many as 10 members of the current squad could be sold at the club looks to balance the books.
Sportsmail takes a look at the Chelsea players who are reportedly at risk from the firesale and whether they should stay or go this summer.
Mason Mount - (£60-70m estimated fee)
The prospect of Chelsea selling Mason Mount seemed an unlikely one when he was named the club's player of the season for the second consecutive season last year.
The ground has shifted significantly at Stamford Bridge since, with the 24-year-old yet extend his contract which expires in the summer of 2024.
Manager Graham Potter has admitted Mount's contract negotiations are 'complicated' despite the insistence he wants to keep the academy product at the club.
Although the Blues would be loathe to lose Mount to a Premier League rival, it could be a sensible move in the circumstances to cash in on the reported interest from Liverpool, Man City, Man United and Newcastle.
VERDICT: SELL
Mason Mount is yet to sign a new Chelsea deal and has interest from Premier League rivals
Edouard Mendy - (£15-20m estimated fee)
The Senegalese goalkeeper is another key figure from the Champions League triumph under Thomas Tuchel to face an uncertain future at the club.
Mendy's role in the triumph and Senegal's victory at the African Cup of Nations contributed to him being awarded The Best FIFA men's goalkeeper back in 2021.
The 31-year-old has found himself in the cold two years on, with a loss of form leading to Mendy losing his place to Kepa Arrizabalaga. Like Mount, Mendy is yet to reach an agreement over a new contract, with his deal expiring in 2025.
With the Blues likely to target a goalkeeper in the summer, Chelsea will surely listen to offers for Mendy.
VERDICT: SELL
Edouard Mendy has lost his starting place at Chelsea and could seek a fresh start
Christian Pulisic - (£30m estimated fee)
The United States international has had a stop start career since joining from Borussia Dortmund back in 2019.
Pulisic has shown bursts of the ability which convinced Chelsea to bring him to Stamford Bridge, but suffered from injuries and inconsistency. His latest injury setback came at the worst possible moment in January, having made three consecutive starts.
Pulisic's absence coincided with the arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke at the club, adding further competition for places.
The 24-year-old has suggested he operates best attacking from the left, where Mudryk typically plays. Chelsea have bet on the Ukrainian's potential after spending £88m and giving him an eight-and-a-half-year deal.
The need for the gamble to work
