Revealed: Chelsea are 'HIGHLY MOTIVATED' to sell €200m trio

Cameron Smith

9 Jul 2024 15:45 BST
3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly “highly motivated” to sell Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Malang Sarr as they undergo a summer revamp.

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The Blues have already offloaded Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson, while Thiago Silva and Hakim Ziyech have departed the club on free transfers following the expiration of their contracts.

However, Chelsea remain determined to further finetune Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad.

According to The Athletic, the west London club are desperate to offload the aforementioned Lukaku, Kepa and Sarr.

Armando Broja, Cesare Casadei, David Datro Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah may also be sold, while Conor Gallagher could depart amid interest from Atletico Madrid.

Lukaku joined Chelsea for €113 million in 2021 after a scintillating spell with Inter Milan. However, an infamous interview with Sky Italia - in which he declared his love for Inter - soured his first season back at Stamford Bridge and he has spent the past two years on loan in Italy.

As for Kepa, he was purchased as Thibaut Courtois’ replacement following the Belgian’s move to Real Madrid and cost an eye-watering €80m. He has reportedly received an offer from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad, but is yet to accept.

Sarr arrived on a free transfer from OGC Nice in 2020 and he has mustered just 21 Chelsea appearances during his career in west London. His last game for the Blues was a 2-1 win over Watford in May 2022.

© IMAGO - Chelsea are desperate to sell Romelu Lukaku

Pre-season underway at Chelsea

Pre-season work began at Cobham on Monday 8 July, with several new signings pictured, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Chelsea have also purchased Omari Kellyman and Marc Guiu so far this summer, while Renato Veiga (Basel), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United) and Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors) are expected to join the club within the next few days.

Furthermore, the Blues have been linked with Karim Adeyemi, Nico Williams and Desire Doue as they search for a new left winger.

Chelsea will travel to the USA for a pre-season tour later this month, with fixtures scheduled against Wrexham, Celtic, Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

In addition, Maresca’s side will also host Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on 11 August - seven days before their Premier League opener against Man City.