CRUNCH TIME
Seven Chelsea stars with just two months to save their futures including Sterling and Gallagher
One ace could even be RELEASED on a free transfer
CHELSEA are ready to embark on another epic transfer quest this summer.
And seven current stars may have just two months to save their Stamford Bridge futures.
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Todd Boehly has already spent a mind-blowing £1billion on signings since taking charge in 2022.
However, that figure is yet to transform into success on the pitch.
Mauricio Pochettino is the fifth man to take charge of Chelsea’s dugout after Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard.
And after finishing 12th last season, the Blues are sitting just one place better this term in 11th.
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It’s now reckoned Boehly will make another big push in the market to cover specialist areas.
He wants to land a free-scoring striker, with SunSport exclusively revealing Chelsea's interest in Brentford star Ivan Toney.
There could also be an addition at centre-back and left-back, while a technical winger is also on the agenda.
But Chelsea are already toeing the line with Financial Fair Play.
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It means if there are any incomings, there must also be outgoings.
Boehly hopes to offload wantaway flops Kepa Arrizabalaga and Romelu Lukaku to Saudi Arabian sides once their respective loans at Real Madrid and Roma end.
Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?
However, a host of other players who are hoping to remain put could also be forced out.
And they are now in a fight for their futures at Chelsea.
Here, SunSport looks at the seven stars who in a scrap for survival…
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RAHEEM STERLING
Costing over £47million in 2022, the winger looks a shadow of the player who won four titles at Man City.
He is yet to win over Chelsea fans, who loudly jeered his performance against Leicester on Sunday.
And his exit would open the door for Mykhailo Mudryk to finally develop, while also giving space for the signing of a new speedster.
But with Sterling on a reported £325,000-a-week in west London, there may not be many takers for him this summer.
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CONOR GALLAGHER
The academy man has really stepped up to the plate this season.
After looking set to leave last summer, Gallagher has been a key part of any success Pochettino has enjoyed this season.
He is desperate to stay put as his contract approaches its final year.
But Boehly appears hesitant to reward Gallagher with a deserving salary, which could end up with the midfielder making a controversial move to rivals Tottenham.
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ROBERT SANCHEZ
A curious buy after dropping down to third-choice at former club Brighton.
The £25m goalie looked unconvincing before his injury allowed Djordje Petrovic to become No1.
And Sanchez did his chances of reclaiming the spot little good with a jittery showing in the FA Cup win over Leicester.
There are several youngsters at Chelsea desperate for a chance too, making Sanchez a prime candidate to earn a quick buck for Boehly.
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MARC CUCURELLA
Is starting to finally show glimpses of his undoubted talent after an awful debut season.
He was a surprise £60m investment from Brighton, especially given the options Chelsea already had at left-back.
However, it’s reckoned the Blues want ANOTHER player in that position following Ben Chilwell’s latest injury problems.
And Cucurella could be sacrificed if Chelsea are able to recoup their losses.
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TREVOH CHALOBAH
Like Gallagher, another academy product who would represent pure profit on the books if sold.
He was wanted by Spurs and Nottingham Forest last summer before an injury scuppered any chance of an exit.
Chalobah also stayed put in January and is now back in Chelsea’s starting XI after impressing Pochettino.
But history shows Boehly is operating on his own wavelength, and is likely to sell Chalobah should a decent offer arrive — regardless of his performances.
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ARMANDO BROJA
Chelsea slapped an outrageous £50m price-tag on the striker in January, leading to ridicule from rival fans.
Broja managed just one goal before his winter loan to Fulham.
But he is yet to make a single start for the Cottagers, meaning Chelsea will have no chance of sticking to their original asking price.
And with Poch hoping for a deadly No9 to arrive, Broja’s future at the Bridge is likely over already.
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THIAGO SILVA
The biggest casualty of Chelsea’s recently revival in form, Silva’s age and lack of speed has finally caught up to him.
The Brazilian legend is out of contract this summer and, barring a miracle comeback, will be released when it expires.
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Silva would love to stay put, and many fans would also like to keep him around.
But after his wife criticised Pochettino’s decisions earlier this season, an exit may be the best solution for all parties.
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