Two Chelsea players have reportedly been classed as ‘untouchable’ by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy ahead of a summer clear-out. A whole host of stars are expected to be axed, from the large contingent who spent last season out on loan to a smaller group of Enzo Maresca’s first-team regulars who could leave for the right price.
Chelsea have spent heavily on recruitment during the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital era. And although their spending sprees have slowed slightly, the current window still kicked off with an influx of Blues arrivals following pre-agreed deals, some of which stretched back two years.
Maresca secured Champions League qualification with his current crop of players last season. But outgoings are inevitable to make room for the new arrivals already bedding in at Stamford Bridge, and those due to follow before the summer window closes.
According to The Athletic, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo will not be auctioned off under any circumstances. They are considered ‘untouchable’ by Maresca and other senior Chelsea figures, with the rest of the squad set to be built around them.
Palmer has been the team’s principal attacking outlet over the past two seasons – including last term, when he was criticised for an unproductive final few games. Caicedo, meanwhile, is a former Premier League-record signing at £115million, and his versatility makes him a major asset to Maresca.
The report adds that not every player in the Chelsea squad enjoys the same protected status. Even Nicolas Jackson, who signed a mega contract extension running until 2033 last year, could be sold if the club’s valuation is met.
It has been claimed that Chelsea would want up to £51m for the Senegal international, whose place in the starting XI is in jeopardy following Liam Delap’s arrival from Ipswich Town. Another first-team regular with scope to be moved on is Noni Madueke.
The winger, valued at around £50m by Chelsea, is reportedly in a ‘similar position’ to Jackson. Neither player is up for sale or actively looking for a move, but a big enough proposal could set things in motion.
Jackson is being courted by Italian sides Juventus and Napoli, but Chelsea reportedly believe that only Premier League or Saudi Pro League sides could afford him. Madueke, who scored seven league goals last season, has been linked with Arsenal.