Date: 23rd June 2011 at 8:00pm
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According to the Mirror, Chelsea could be set for a clear-out this summer as Andre Villas-Boas prepares his squad for the 2011-12 season, with several players linked with the exit door.

Those at the Mirror believe that Frank Lampard (£5m), Didier Drogba (£10m), Nicolas Anelka (£5m), Florent Malouda (£10m), Michael Essien (£10m), Salomon Kalou (£15m) and Jon Obi Mikel (£15m) are all at risk of being shown the door. – That’s £70m worth of players. I think we could do with a degree of an overhaul, but it seems a little unlikely and drastic.

I couldn’t imagine Lampard going anywhere, for instance. Although I think he should perhaps be used more sparingly, he still has something to offer. Also, his wages are fairly high and he’ll likely retire at the club.

I could only see Chelsea parting with Michael Essien, if they don’t think they could rely on his fitness or are offered a substantial fee for him, £10m is nowhere near enough for the Bison. I don’t think we have any plans on selling Mikel either and believe he’s probably the best defensive midfielder we have as he’s comfortable on the ball and economic with it, even if his defending is a little suspect.

Nicolas Anelka is already a bit-part player and would have no problem taking a lesser role, so may just run down the final year of his deal. Similarly, if he stays, Malouda could become more of a ‘squad player’ next season, but obviously either could leave for a decent enough offer, but I doubt Anelka is in demand.

Kalou’s words in the press over the past few months have been irritating, but not quite as frustrating as his sporadic form – I’d sell him and would hope to see Daniel Sturridge afforded more chances in his place.

And then there’s Drogba, who knows what’s happening with him? He has been constantly linked with the exit door despite Gourlay saying that the Ivorian will stay, but we have been heavily linked with Radamel Falcao and if the Porto striker arrives, it could be the end of Drogba’s time at the club. At a push, he may have accepted that he’d have to fight for a starting XI place with Fernando Torres or even be his backup, but if he was to become third choice he’ll walk.

Which players do you think we will see going in/out of the club this summer?

 

69 responses to “£70m-worth of players linked with Stamford Bridge exit”

  1. Joe Stafford says:

    Heard through a close fried that we are getting mo edu from rangers.Hope this is true as he is a big horse thats what we need.What use think?

  2. Anthony Williams says:

    Haha don’t know what you’re all having a go at me for, I’m criticising the article Martin Lipton wrote, not advocating it.

  3. Anthony Williams says:

    …as an aside, for those of you who disagree with Martin Lipton’s ridiculously low valuation of our players then you can let him know your thoughts on Twitter – @MartinLipton (http://twitter.com/#!/martinlipton)

  4. isaac ides says:

    Bosingwa, Ferreira, Zhirkov, Anelka, Essien should go. Bring in Neymar, Pastore, Modric, Falcao, Sneidjer.

  5. segun says:

    we give Villas boas chances to sell drogba, anelka,ferraira, lampard, hillario,malouda bcos of there ages.

  6. bob says:

    why essien or lamps?essien is the best def mid in the world and i just wouldent sell lamps even tough he’s gettin massive wages mickel aswell.

    • Anthony Williams says:

      Essien isn’t a defensive midfielder, he’s box-to-box, if we’re going to play him as a DM it’s a waste of him anyway.

      • bob says:

        he take’s up that role a lot of the time for us,but yes you are right he dose the box to box role,sevral times tough he has been asked to “cage” players.

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