Chelsea are reportedly considering reducing their squad by as many as 15 players over the course of the summer.
As a result of a chaotic two transfer windows under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the Blues have a bloated first-team squad which has been unmanageable for Graham Potter and Frank Lampard this season.
However, the senior ranks will be streamlined in the coming months, a result of Chelsea needing to fulfil FFP criteria and the lack of European football on the calendar.
Mauricio Pochettino, who was confirmed as the new head coach on Monday, has also made it clear that he wants to work with a smaller group from when he officially takes over on July 1.
Over the past 24 hours, it has been claimed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge, while Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has revealed that Chelsea have already informed him that they will not be attempting to keep hold of loanee Joao Felix.
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According to the Daily Mail, that duo are included in a list of 15 players that Chelsea will look to part ways with in due course.
Selling academy graduates for what would be pure profit on the books has long been suggested as a preferred method of generating funds, most notably through the exit of Mason Mount.
Nevertheless, the report says that a further four homegrown players are available for transfer with Trevoh Chalobah, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi on that list.
Despite previous suggestions that N'Golo Kante may pen a new contract, those terms are yet to be finalised, and it appears that the Frenchman may be allowed to move elsewhere.
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The West Londoners also need to raise funds through the sales of squad members such as Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, while the club's owners are ready to cash in on Mateo Kovacic rather than offer a new contract.
Kalidou Koulibaly may be allowed to go out on loan if a suitable fee cannot be attracted, with another defender over 30 years of age in Cesar Azpilicueta also expected to leave after over a decade at the club.
Edouard Mendy is available for transfer as Chelsea contemplate a fresh face to challenge Kepa Arrizabalga, while Denis Zakaria will return to Juventus after his loan spell rather than Chelsea take up their option to buy.
Boehly and Clearlake Capital allegedly hope to raise in the region of £280m - also aided by the lowering of the wage bill - through the aforementioned exits, Pochettino also keen to make his own signings before the start of 2023-24.
Darren Plant
