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A “world-class” player has teased the possibility of leaving Chelsea for a European club this summer, with the ace’s future set to be among many key exit decisions that BlueCo will be forced to make before next season.

Chelsea players likely to leave this summer

It is increasingly difficult to keep up with who is actually on the books at Stamford Bridge, as many players deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca are on loan spells away from the club right now.

Related £144k-per-week Chelsea player gives "green light" to join surprise new club

It would be a head-turning move.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Mar 27, 2025

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi appear destined to leave Stamford Bridge, if BlueCo can find suitable buyers, while Mykhailo Mudryk also faces an uncertain future after failing a drugs test.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Tottenham (home)

April 3rd

Brentford (away)

April 6th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Fabrizio Romano has already said that Chelsea are ready to sell Disasi, and potentially for a profit, as Maresca doesn’t want the Frenchman. Sterling is in the same boat, and it is believed by some that the winger is attracting interest from Juventus.

Some of the aforementioned crop, like Gilchrist, are actually putting in some impressive performances out on loan, so it could be much less complicated for BlueCo to acquire bidders for their services.

Another loanee in top form right now is goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who is dazzling under Liam Rosenior as Strasbourg’s number one shot stopper.

The Serbian has conceded just 27 goals all season, keeping eight clean sheets in the process, but he is still likely to leave west London this summer due to the impending arrival of Mike Penders from KRC Genk, while there is still faith from Chelsea in the likes of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen (GiveMeSport).

The 25-year-old’s future appears away from Chelsea, despite his excellent form throughout 2024/2025 and impressive past performances while donning the Blues shirt at points last season.

Djordje Petrovic teases Chelsea summer exit to Strasbourg

Opening up on his long-term future, the keeper has had his say, with Petrovic teasing a summer exit from Chelsea to remain at Strasbourg for 2025/2026.

However, this could be dependent on whether they qualify for the Champions League, with the Ligue 1 side currently four points off a top three place.

“I am focused on finishing the season in the best way. We’ll see after what could happen this summer. It could be a very good option to stay here if Strasbourg qualify for the UEFA Champions League,” said Petrovic.

“I always had confidence in my ability to improve. I have progressed more than I thought (at Strasbourg), but I can still improve more between now and the end of the season.”

Given Petrovic’s form, and some criticism aimed towards Chelsea’s current options, there are those who believe Strasbourg’s star loanee could be a solid option between the sticks for Maresca, with Rosenior calling him a “world-class” player already.

“We have seen huge progress from Petro,” said the Strasbourg boss, via X. “He is a world-class goalkeeper. We see it every day, and it is still paying off today.”

Wolves’ goalscoring issues this season were always going to mean that Bruno Lage’s decision to send Fabio Silva out on loan would be scrutinised.

After the Old Gold managed just 38 goals in the top flight last season, the fewest of any side not to be relegated, signing a striker was a massive priority for Lage at Molineux.

The Portuguese manager would wait until late in the window to sign Sasa Kalajdzic, only for the Austrian to injure his ACL on his debut against Southampton, while Raul Jimenez is also currently sidelined through injury.

At that point, Silva had already been loaned to Anderlecht, with the hope that the young forward would finally find his goalscoring touch after failing to find the back of the net in any of his appearances last season.

The former Porto man started impressively with the Belgian side and already has seven goals to his name, which has no doubt left a lot of Wolves fans questioning Lage’s reasoning behind loaning him out when you consider the scarcity of attacking options currently available at Molineux.

Despite his lack of goals, former Wolves captain Conor Coady was full of praise for Silva last season, saying:

“We know what he brings us. He’s a young lad who is working every single day. He’s been fantastic since he came in. He works so, so hard to improve and get better, and you see that now.”

While the former Benfica boss has now been sacked by the club, after a return of just three goals in the opening eight Premier League games, his decision to loan out Silva may have been the right one, as he struggled immensely against English opposition on Thursday evening.

Anderlecht hosted West Ham in the Conference League and Silva’s lack of physicality came to the fore once again, as he was regularly bested by the Hammers’ backline.

As per SofaScore, the 20-year-old would win just three out of his 15 duels during the game, resulting in a 20% success rate. He also managed just 13 successful passes in what was a quiet night for the on-loan Wolves man, which again emphasises that he was unable to stamp his authority in the game against tougher opponents.

When Silva returns to England, Wolves will need him to get the better of defenders of that quality on a weekly basis if he is to be a success, and while Thursday was a good test for him, it was one that he ultimately failed.

Therefore, Lage’s controversial decision to send him to Anderlecht was somewhat justified by that performance, and Wolves fans will be hoping that he can do a lot better when he does return to Molineux, otherwise their £35.6m investment will surely prove to be a wasted one.

Pundit Alex McLeish believes Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will eventually move to the Premier League, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Premier League rumours

Postecoglou has transformed the Hoops over the last 12 months, winning a league and cup double during his first season.

His impressive stint at Parkhead has led to recent rumours of a move to Brighton, with the Aussie also backed to be a future target at Leicester City.

Postecoglou recently laughed off interest from England, but McLeish has been giving his thoughts to a possible move further down the line.

The Latest: McLeish’s comments

McLeish, who now contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Postecoglou potentially moving south.

He said he was ‘sure’ the Celtic boss would want to move to the Premier League at some stage, believing ‘he will be on a few teams shortlists’.

“If he keeps up the momentum of what he did last year then absolutely, he is going to be a catch for some of the Premier League teams.

“It’s the richest league in the world. Rangers and Celtic are two of the biggest clubs in the world, no doubt about it.

“Considering the fanbase and where they could be if they played in England or any other top league, they would surely still be successful.

“I can definitely see Postecoglou, if he manages Celtic to these levels, he will be on a few teams’ shortlists. I’m sure he would like to try the Premier League at some stage.”

The Verdict: New contract needed

Postecoglou’s current Celtic contract is set to expire at the end of the season, so it would make sense if Hoops officials looked to tie the manager down to a new long-term deal.

He appears settled in Scotland and is taking the club from strength to strength, and you’d like to think a fresh contract would cool constant speculation of a move to the Premier League.

England could well be Postecoglou’s next destination, as McLeish has predicted, but hopefully, he’ll remain in the Parkhead dugout for a long time before that.

The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has now revealed that Karl Darlow’s injury for Newcastle United is not long-term.

The Lowdown: Training injury

As per Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie, Darlow suffered an ankle injury in training this week, and so the St. James’ Park outfit are set to sign free agent Loris Karius as his replacement.

Darlow’s latest setback means that they have two senior goalkeepers in the squad available in Nick Pope and Mark Gillespie, with Karius set to join that group.

The Latest: Not long-term

Taking to Twitter after Downie’s news, Hope has revealed that Darlow’s injury is not a long-term issue:

“Loris Karius is set to join Newcastle as short-term cover for the injured Karl Darlow, as per reports. I’m told Darlow problem is not long-term, but cover is needed. Ex Liverpool keeper Karius is currently a free agent.”

He added that the 31-year-old is ‘likely’ to be out until a time approaching the break for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in November:

“Karl Darlow ankle problem is likely to keep him out until a time approaching the break for World Cup. Loris Karius deal is expected to be until January.”

The Verdict: Still not ideal

Even though Darlow’s injury is not as serious as perhaps first feared, it is still not ideal to have him ruled out for the next couple of months.

Yes, Karius can come in as a depute for Pope, but he has not played any football recently as a free agent, and so will need time to adapt to life at St. James’ Park – the very fact the deal is only until January suggests a lack of confidence from those upstairs.

Nonetheless, the Magpies now have a growing injury list that already includes Jonjo Shelvey, Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Emil Krafth, so Eddie Howe will be hoping that Darlow can make a swift recovery.

Wolves have joined the race to complete the signing of Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu this summer.

The Lowdown: Ampadu to leave on loan?

The 21-year-old continues to struggle for playing time at Stamford Bridge, with Thomas Tuchel unable to promise him a starring role in 2022/23.

For that reason, it seems likely that Ampadu will again be loaned out before the end of the current transfer window, having spent last season at Serie A side Venezia.

There is plenty of interest in the Welshman currently and it looks as though Wolves have now entered the equation.

The Latest: Wolves join the race

According to La Nazione [via Sport Witness], have joined Italian teams Empoli, Spezia and Cremonese in expressing an interest in signing Ampadu.

While a loan move without an option to buy is mooted, and not exactly ideal, it is claimed that Wanderers are still interested in acquiring the youngster’s services.

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The Verdict: Exciting addition?

Ampadu has already enjoyed an intriguing career, not only spending numerous spells away from Chelsea on loan, but also winning the Europa League and FA Cup with the Blues.

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He is capable of thriving as either a centre-back or a defensive midfielder, so that versatility could appeal to Bruno Lage, especially having lost both Romain Saiss and Conor Coady in defence this summer.

Indeed, during a loan spell at Sheffield United, Paul Heckingbottom praised his versatility, but also suggested a move to nail down one position could see him become one of the world’s best.

At 21, Ampadu is starting to come into his own at senior level, having made 91 appearances overall, and he could be a shrewd signing who goes up a gear at Molineux.

An average of 2.3 aerial duel wins and tackles apiece last season, across 29 Serie A appearances, speaks volumes about his combative tendencies and ability to add some steel through the spine of a team.

Rangers are reportedly interested in signing an Italian striker this summer who could be a big upgrade on Kemar Roofe in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad at Ibrox.

According to Football Scotland, the Light Blues have been offered to chance to sign Patrick Cutrone, who has struggled immensely during his time in England.

After netting only three goals for Wolves in 28 appearances, the 24-year-old has spent time out on loan with Fiorentina, Valencia and Empoli, where his disappointing form in front of goal has continued, with just eight goals in 72 appearances across those spells.

However, he was prolific during his time at AC Milan, hitting 43 goals in 67 appearances for their academy side before establishing himself in the first team, where he managed 27 goals in 90 appearances before his £23m move to Wolves in 2019.

Upon his signing at Wolves, then-manager Nuno Espirito Santo was full of praise for Cutrone, saying: “His characteristics, he’s a fighter, and we appreciate it. He’s been working very well for the team. He’s a player that brings a lot of energy when he goes on the pitch.”

This suggests that he is simply suffering from a lack of confidence, and if he were given regular opportunities at Rangers, it would surely only be a matter of time before he rediscovers his goalscoring touch.

Should Cutrone make the move to Ibrox and replicate the form he showed at Milan, he could prove to be a significant upgrade on Roofe, who managed 16 goals in 36 appearances for the Gers last season.

However, he has picked up five separate injury issues during his two years at Ibrox and has far too often been unavailable when Rangers needed him most.

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Cutrone, who reportedly earns £63k per week at Wolves, is also five years younger than Roofe, so he could be a much better long-term option in Van Bronckhorst’s side. Also, he has only missed a handful of games in his career through injury, so he could be a much more reliable member of the squad.

Given that Alfredo Morelos’ future is still in doubt, attacking reinforcements at Rangers could still be required, so Ross Wilson should definitely consider bringing Cutrone to Ibrox.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge Rangers transfer development, supporters will be buzzing

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s pursuit of reinforcements in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed that Rangers are one of four clubs eyeing up a potential swoop for Theo Bongonda ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “After confirmation with his agent Fouad Ben Kouider, nothing has yet been decided in Théo Bongonda’s file where #Fenerbahçe, #Olympiakos and #RangersFC joined with #AlAin interested clubs by the attacker of #KRCGenk. To be continued.”

Ross Wilson is plotting a swoop for the winger and it has been reported that Genk want a fee in the region of €7m (£6m) for his services this summer. Although, it remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants will firm up their interest with a bid.

Ryan Kent 2.0

By securing a deal to sign Bongonda before the end of the window, Rangers can land their new Ryan Kent to be a wing wizard in the Premiership.

The DR Congo international has been in sensational form for Genk in the Belgian Pro League in recent seasons and has shown that he has the quality to make a huge impact in the final third on a consistent basis.

Last season, he scored 12 goals and set up two – creating seven big chances – whilst playing out wide on the right as a left-footed player. This came after he found the back of the net 16 times and provided eight assists – creating ten big chances – in 2020/21.

Bongonda is a gem capable of scoring and creating goals at an impressive rate from the wing, cutting in onto his stronger foot as an inverted winger much like Kent is for the Gers.

The English attacker is a right-footed player who typically lines up on the left and he has racked up 12 goals and 17 assists in the last two Premiership campaigns combined. He has proven himself in a Light Blues shirt and produced many moments of magic for the fans to enjoy over the years.

In a swoop for the Genk attacker, Rangers can now find a clone of the ex-Liverpool man to play on the right side of the front three. This would leave Gio van Bronckhorst with two magical wingers capable of scoring and creating goals at will, which is an exciting prospect for the Dutch head coach and the supporters ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news, GvB plotting Rangers swoop to sign £10m “wonderkid”, he could be an Arfield upgrade…

Manchester City have identified Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry as a direct replacement for Raheem Sterling, should the latter leave the Premier League champions this summer, according to reports shared by City Xtra.

The Lowdown: Sterling linked with exit

The England international has been at the centre of strong links away from the Etihad Stadium, with a move to Chelsea heavily speculated.

With the World Cup at the end of the year approaching all the time, the 27-year-old has indicated his willingness to leave Manchester, with game-time crucial in the build-up to the tournament.

Having entered the last 12 months of his City contract, the attacker is expected to command a fee in the region of £45m.

The Latest: Gnabry to Man City?

As per reports shared by City Xtra, Gnabry will rise to the top of Pep Guardiola’s summer wish list, should Sterling complete his proposed move to Chelsea.

The Germany international has also entered the last 12 months of his current contract and is reportedly reluctant to sign a new deal keeping him at the Allianz Arena.

As a result, it has been suggested that Bayern would be willing to cash in on the 26-year-old for around £40m.

The Verdict: Great replacement

Replacing Sterling would not be an easy feat for City, given his haul of 131 goals for the club, but as far as replacements go, they won’t get much better than Gnabry.

The German has been described as a ‘world class’ player by Rio Ferdinand and an ‘unbelievable finisher’ by Owen Hargreaves in the past (via Daily Mail).

When looking at the two wingers’ statistics, the comparisons are also remarkably similar. Compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, Sterling ranks in the 92nd percentile for non-penalty goals, whereas Gnabry comes in even higher in the 97th percentile.

Furthermore, the England international and Bayern Munich star both netted 17 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions last season

This helps to illustrate how good a replacement Gnabry would be for City if Sterling leaves the Etihad.

Aston Villa have already made two great new signings in the summer transfer window, with Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos both making the move to the Midlands ahead of next season.

However, it is unlikely that the incomings will stop there, with numerous players being linked with the club, including Luis Suarez and Ben Foster more recently.

One player who has been now linked with a chance to stand out in Steven Gerrard’s team next season is Gareth Bale, with the club reportedly monitoring the former Real Madrid star’s situation as he becomes a free agent after completing a nine-year stint in the Spanish capital.

The Welshman has won five Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles and three UEFA Super Cups during his time with Los Blancos, but with his contract expiring, he will now look for a move to continue playing elsewhere.

Bale has scored 106 goals and contributed 67 assists in 258 appearances with the Champions League holders, equating to a goal contribution every 105 minutes, but in more recent years he has been getting less and less game-time.

In the 2021/22 season, the 32-year-old made just seven appearances in all competitions, with one goal and no assists, but he was still picking up a whopping £528k-per-week despite his lack of input in Real Madrid’s successes.

Villa’s interest in the Welshman is a concern, as they should be building for the future of their forward line instead of finding a stop-gap for a short-term solution which could ultimately cost them millions in wages with little return on investment.

Not only are his wage demands concerning, his availability and fitness should also be a cause for trepidation, with the 32-year-old sustaining eight injuries last season alone with Real Madrid, all while being dubbed a “controversial” figure.

Bale did make a return to the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan in 2020/21, again finding it difficult to stay fit as he sustained three injuries, missing 31 days and eight matches and making just 20 league appearances in total.

Villa could easily repeat the nightmare which unfolded with the signing of Ross McCormack, whose wages shot up to £70k-per-week when they were promoted to the Premier League in 2019 despite not playing a league match for the club in two years prior to their promotion. They could be on a similarly wasteful path by offering Bale a high salary.

Ultimately, Gerrard and Johan Lange should carefully assess whether the winning mentality of Bale, as evidenced be his aforementioned trophy haul, is worth the large salary and almost inevitable fitness issues which could see him sidelined frequently. It is definitely a huge risk for Villa.

AND in other news: “Villa will..”: Fabrizio Romano drops transfer news that’ll leave Gerrard buzzing

Aston Villa might already boast one of the top young right-backs in the Premier League in Matty Cash, but Steven Gerrard may soon have competition for the Poland international in Kaine Kesler-Hayden.

The 19-year-old earned rave reviews on loan with Swindon Town and MK Dons last season and looks to have a big future at Villa, so fans might not have to wait too long until they see him starting in the first-team.

The academy graduate did feature in the infamous 4-1 FA Cup defeat against Liverpool in January 2021, when the pandemic forced the Villans to play an academy side, but the right-back may soon find himself lining up alongside the likes of Philippe Coutinho.

Last season saw him sent to Swindon in League Two for the first half of the campaign, where he made 21 appearances, contributing one goal and two assists, before those at Villa decided he needed to test himself at a higher level.

He was sent to League One promotion hopefuls MK Dons, helping Liam Manning’s side to a playoff spot with one goal and one assist in 17 appearances.

During his time with the Robins, local reporter Johnny Leighfield sang his praises, saying:

“He’s just a cut above. He’s got a brilliant turn of pace and a player who likes to do his damage up the other end of the pitch.

“He’s got everything about him to play either Championship or Premier League football regularly.”

It would not be a surprise to see the teenage defender earn a Championship loan next season, although Gerrard might be keen to assess the youngster in pre-season to see if he could compete with Cash for a starting spot first.

Kesler-Hayden may struggle to usurp the Polish full-back, however, as he was one of the standout performers for Villa last season, averaging a strong 6.91 rating from WhoScored after appearing in every Premier League fixture, contributing four goals and five assists.

The former Nottingham Forest man may only be 24, but Villa fans can be safe in the knowledge that they have Kesler-Hayden coming through as a potential replacement for Cash in the future.

And, in other news… Gerrard now set for his first summer transfer disaster, AVFC supporters will be fuming – opinion