Chelsea have struggled with an oversized squad for several years, and with further improvements planned across the next two transfer windows, difficult decisions must be made about the current crop of players. Departures will be just as important as new arrivals if the club are to build a more balanced and competitive squad.

Xabi Alonso is expected to target midfield reinforcements, with Alex Scott among the players linked with a move, while defensive additions could also be on the agenda, with Jules Koundé rumoured to be a potential target.

With new arrivals potentially on the horizon, we assess three players who should leave Chelsea to make room for the next phase of Alonso’s rebuild.

Malo Gusto

Malo Gusto has shown flashes of quality at Chelsea, but questions remain over whether he can establish himself as a regular first-choice option. Under Xabi Alonso’s two preferred formations, Reece James, Josh Acheampong and Marco Palestra appear to be ahead of him in the pecking order for the full-back and wing-back roles.

For a France international who was recently involved in World Cup squad discussions, sitting fourth in the hierarchy is far from ideal. Both player and club would benefit from a fresh start, with Gusto needing regular football to maintain his international ambitions.

While his versatility and attacking contributions remain valuable, Chelsea could use his departure to fund reinforcements elsewhere. A sale would let Gusto take the next step in his career while helping Alonso reshape the squad to suit his long-term plans.

Where will he go: Manchester City or AS Roma

Valentin Barco

Valentin Barco’s long-term future at Chelsea could be difficult to justify if he struggles to secure regular first-team football, especially as he has just arrived in West London.

Having arrived from Strasbourg, the Argentine midfielder needs regular game time to continue his development and prove he can perform at the highest level. However, his current position in the squad offers limited opportunities, and the rumours surrounding potential new arrivals suggest competition for places is only likely to increase. 

Although Barco offers technical ability and versatility, remaining on the fringes of the first team would do little to benefit either party. A loan elsewhere could provide the regular football he needs to fulfil his potential and establish himself as a reliable senior player.

Where will he go: Bournemouth or a La Liga team on loan

Jamie Gittens

Jamie Gittens faces a difficult task establishing himself in Chelsea’s attacking ranks, where competition for places is fierce and opportunities can be limited. 

The winger arrived from Borussia Dortmund with considerable potential, but he needs regular minutes to turn that promise into a consistent end product that delivers. 

With Estevão and Geovany Quenda waiting in the wings to challenge for opportunities should Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers leave the side, Gittens faces an increasingly difficult battle for regular minutes. The competition for attacking places could prevent him from finding the consistency and rhythm needed to develop his game.

Gittens possesses the quality and potential to succeed, but he has yet to demonstrate it consistently at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea could therefore benefit from selling him while negotiating a substantial sell-on clause, potentially making it a masterstroke in the long term.

Where will he go: Borussia Dortmund