Blues Ready To Offload Nine In Clearance Sale


Chelsea are ready to listen to offers for up to six first-team players this summer, as owner Roman Abramovich looks to clear the clubs wage bill before installing a new manager.

Branislav Ivanovic, Paulo Ferreira, John Obi Mikel, Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and back up goalkeeper Ross Turnbull have all been told they can quit Stamford Bridge if a suitable offer arises, while £18 million summer signing Romelu Lukaku will be allowed to leave on loan, with talks already taking place about a return to former club Anderlecht.

On top of those told they can go, several players are also considering their future, including Didier Drogba, Jose Bosingwa and Yossi Benayoun, currently on loan with Arsenal, with all seeking guarantees of playing time next season.

It has been widely written that Chelsea’s squad is an old one.

That does not just apply to this season; it seems that every summer the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Didier Drogba are to be replaced.

Still, this seems a more drastic change than usual.

Whilst Terry and Lampard look set to stay at Stamford Bridge forever, some fairly well established players look set to depart.

To be frank, it is not a huge surprise that Paulo Ferreira and Ross Turnbull are to be moved on, but Branislav Ivanovic, John Obi Mikel, Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou have all impressed at times for Chelsea – and feature relatively regularly for the Blues.

Of course, Florent Malouda is in the latter stages of his career, being the wrong side of thirty, but Ivanovic, Mikel and Kalou all seemingly have something to offer still despite their sometime fringe status at the club.

Indeed, Kalou scored the only goal in a surprise start for Chelsea away to Benfica in the UEFA Champions League quarter final on Tuesday evening.

If Didier Drogba, Jose Bosingwa and Yossi Benayoun all move on too, Chelsea could suddenly be left with a very thin squad.

Unless plenty of investment comes in to improve the side, hopes of improving on this season’s underwhelming campaign remain very much in the balance.
http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2012/03/mikel-faces-sack-in-chelsea-clear-out