A 10th placed finish this season for Chelsea means there will be no European football at Stamford Bridge next season – and our Blues fans here in the Transfer Tavern are only just coming to terms with it….
After a turbulent season in South west London which saw the departure of Jose Mourinho early in the campaign, the club now have a summer to regroup and can look forward to the arrival of new manager Antonio Conte following the end of this summers European Championship’s – a tournament in which Conte’s Italy side impressed, despite going out on penalties to Germany in the Quarter-finals.
Conte is certain to attract a number of high profile players – with the former Juve boss having a solid reputation as one of the best managers in Europe – however may find it difficult to hold on to those already at the club.
Despite no European football meaning Chelsea can focus solely on the league and domestic competitions, the big stars at the Bridge will be craving the Champions League and hence may opt for pastures new this transfer window.
Our landlord thinks these FOUR are almost a dead-cert to leave the Blues this summer. Do you agree?
Nemanja Matic
It was a poor season for the Serbian at Stamford Bridge, which was disappointing following his fine title winning campaign the previous season which saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year.
With Chelsea chasing Roma defensive midfielder Radja Nainggolan, it seems there is no room for Matic in London anymore, so the 27-year-old looks set for his second move away from the Bridge – having left for Benfica from the Blues back in 2011.
Oscar
Continually linked with a move away over the past few years, the once fan favourite at the Bridge has fallen out of favour of the past season.
Not preferred by either Mourinho nor Hiddink, the Brazilian appears frustrated at his lack of game time, and has struggled when given the opportunity.
Oscar has always showed his best form in Europe, so a switch to the continent seems inevitable, with Juventus favourite for his signature.
John Obi-Mikel
One Chelsea fan over by the bar admits he would hate to see the departure of Chelsea’s unsung hero of the last decade depart Stamford Bridge, but as competition for space in Chelsea’s midfield hots up – it seems there is little space for the Nigerian international.
Cool, calm and composed on the ball, Mikel has been a favourite at Stamford Bridge – and not only for his awful shooting – over the years and has been a solid figure in the Blue’s squad.
Loic Remy
The arrival at Michy Batshuayi from Marseille has all but sealed Remy’s fate this summer, as the talented striker is now even less likely to get a look in at a starting position than ever before.
The Frenchman has failed to show the sort of form he had done at previous clubs Newcastle at QPR, but can certainly feel hard done by considering his lack of opportunities and injury woes.
