Chelsea’s desire to offload players before the summer transfer deadline may play into their rivals’ hands. There were a number of striking omissions from Enzo Maresca’s team for the opening day of the Premier League on Sunday as Manchester City won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Conor Gallagher was not included in the 20-man squad despite appearing in every Chelsea league game last season and being the team’s captain. The 24-year-old was set to sign for Atletico Madrid, but a failed deal that would have seen Samu Omorodion head in the opposite direction has cast doubt on Gallagher’s long career.
Chelsea and Atlético are reported to be in talks over a move for Joao Félix, which could kick off Gallagher’s move to Spain. But if that doesn’t materialize, Tottenham could be the first to take the step.
Reports imply that Ange Postecoglou is a long-time admirer of Gallagher, with the Spurs boss preferably needing England’s foreigner to operate in his midfield, new signing Dominic Solanke.
Ben Chilwell is another big star who failed to qualify against City. His compatriot Marc Cucurella is in a position to be reborn in Maresca’s system, and with Renato Veiga as a reinforcement, Chilwell is at risk of being excluded.
Maresca has cheekily admitted that it would be better for all parties if Chilwell got a new club this summer. Manchester United reportedly spoke about the 27-year-old before signing Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
While Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are going through tough times due to injuries, it remains to be noted that Chilwell’s availability proves to be too tempting an opportunity for United to pass up.
Among the five substitutes who did not occupy the opposite side to City, Noni Madueke will have been more perplexed. The 22-year-old winger has had a good end to the campaign and has been one of Maresca’s most impressive players in pre-season.
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Newcastle United are reportedly keeping an eye on Madueke’s situation, and Chelsea are keen to pay attention to offers for the former PSV Eindhoven star. Blues leaders could need £30m to greenlight the youngster’s departure.
In addition to the trio in question, other notable absences from Sunday’s squad included Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Trevoh Chalobah, who could leave in the next two weeks.
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