World Champions Chelsea's summer business has been unsurprisingly busy. The Blues have spent approximately £300 million bringing in players like Joao Pedro, Delap, and Jorrel Hato, giving coach Enzo Maresca enough firepower to compete on all four fronts this season.
On the other hand, Chelsea have been actively offloading players deemed surplus to the coaching staff's requirements. The work done so far has been impressive, with Chelsea banking over £200 million from the sales of Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Joao Félix, and many more. However, players remain in the books who need solutions before the transfer window closes.
Getting these deals done — preferably permanent, though loans are also possible — will help improve Chelsea’s financial records and allow Maresca to work with his ideal squad at Cobham. Here are four players Chelsea are looking to move on, and the clubs that could be tempted to act before the window shuts in less than 48 hours.
Raheem Sterling
The England international's move to Chelsea in 2022 was meant to be a fresh start, but he has been a shadow of his title-winning days at Manchester City. Despite an encouraging start under Mauricio Pochettino in 2023, his form dipped, and he was loaned out to Arsenal last season, where he managed only one goal in 28 appearances. At 30 and on high wages, he has no future at Chelsea. The club would prefer a permanent sale but would accept a loan that covers a significant portion of his salary.
Potential destinations:
- Crystal Palace: The loss of Eberechi Eze and Palace's first European adventure means they need additional numbers to compete effectively with their expanded schedule. While Palace have signed Spanish international Yeremy Pino from Villarreal, Sterling would be a perfect fit for Oliver Glasner's side, offering experience, goalscoring ability, and dribbling threat. His preference to remain in London makes Palace the most suitable option.
- Fulham: A short move across West London would be ideal for Sterling. Under Marco Silva, Fulham plays an attacking style of football that could suit Sterling's desire to run at defenders. The Cottagers need a creative winger to supplement their attack, and Sterling could provide senior leadership in a less pressurised environment. Silva has a proven track record of helping players like Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez rediscover their form.
- Atalanta: The Italian side offers Champions League football and a fresh start for Sterling. They lost last season's top scorer to Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi League, while Ademola Lookman seeks a move away from Bergamo. Serie A's slower tempo may suit Sterling at his age, where other Premier League discards like Ashley Young, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Scott McTominay have found success.
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell's Chelsea career has been a story of brilliance interrupted by frustration due to injuries. He was a key part of the 2021 Champions League-winning squad but has struggled for game time, making just one appearance for Chelsea last season before joining Palace on loan in January, where he won the FA Cup. At 28, Chilwell needs a permanent move for the stability required to kickstart his career.
Potential destinations:
- Leeds United: With Leeds back in the Premier League, they need a high-quality left-back who can defend and contribute in attack. While Gabriel Gudmundsson, signed from Lille in July 2025, is Leeds’s first-choice left-back, Chilwell's experience and attacking output when fit would be a huge asset to Daniel Farke's system. He would provide solid cover and be a key part of their project.
- Everton: Chilwell can provide reliable competition for Vitaliy Mykolenko at left-back. With Jack Grealish rediscovering his form at Everton under David Moyes serving as a positive indicator, Chilwell could similarly regain his form under the experienced manager, contributing assists and crucial goals. He would offer the Toffees tactical flexibility to switch between fullback and wingback systems depending on the opposition.
- Torino: The Italian club's wing-back system suits Chilwell's attacking instincts, though their new coach has deployed fullbacks in his first two games. Serie A could provide the environment he needs to regain his form.
Axel Disasi
Disasi's time at Chelsea has been brief, but it is clear he is not in Enzo Maresca's plans. After joining from Monaco in 2023 and spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, he has fallen in the pecking order. With the club looking to recoup their £39 million investment or at least minimise losses, a permanent deal is the priority, though a loan may be considered.
Potential destinations:
- Crystal Palace: Palace are in danger of losing their captain to Liverpool. Their increased fixture load due to European participation leaves them light in defence. Even if Marc Guehi stays, Disasi offers the physicality and versatility to play in Palace's three-man defensive system. Having captained Chelsea in some games during their successful Conference League campaign, he can offer crucial experience as Palace navigate their first European adventure.
- AFC Bournemouth: The Cherries are rumoured to be interested in Disasi. Under Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth plays a high-energy, high-pressing game where Disasi's physicality and aerial prowess would fit perfectly. With recent defensive departures, he would be an important addition to the squad.
- Wolves: Vitor Pereira's side needs defensive reinforcements, and Disasi would be a strong, reliable centre-back option. His height and power would significantly strengthen their backline, and he would receive the consistent minutes he needs to develop.
David Datro Fofana
The young Ivorian striker has endured a difficult period since his January 2023 move to Chelsea. After unsuccessful loan spells at Union Berlin and Göztepe, he found form at Burnley, scoring four goals in 15 Premier League appearances. At just 22, he has the potential to become a quality striker but needs consistent game time to develop. Chelsea is open to a permanent sale, but a loan with an obligation to buy remains a strong possibility.
Potential destinations:
- Middlesbrough: Dropping to the Championship may provide the clean slate Fofana needs. After missing out on Chuba Akpom, who joined Ipswich Town, Boro needs attacking reinforcements. Their forward line lacks both quantity and quality. With consistent playing time, Fofana could prove to be a shrewd addition.
- Leicester City: Following their recent relegation, Leicester needs a forward who can dominate the Championship after Jamie Vardy's departure. Fofana's physicality and link-up play would make him an ideal target, and he could be instrumental in their bid to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
- Borussia Mönchengladbach: The Bundesliga's fast-paced, high-pressing environment could be ideal for Fofana to develop his all-around game. Mönchengladbach could offer regular playing time and the chance to face some of Europe's top defenders. This move would allow him to develop away from English football's intense scrutiny.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s squad-trimming exercise has been largely successful, but moving on Sterling, Chilwell, Disasi, and Fofana would complete the clear-out. For experienced players like Sterling and Chilwell, permanent exits are the best outcome for all parties. For younger talents such as Fofana, loans or sales with buy-back clauses could preserve future value while ensuring development continues.
Time is running out for both Chelsea and these players to find the stability they need, but with the right moves, everyone could benefit from these final hours of transfer activity.
