Chelsea entered the season with title aspirations but following issues on and off the pitch eventually had to make do with a distant third place in the Premier League. They won two trophies, and reached the final of two more, losing agonisingly on penalties to Liverpool in both instances.
And next season, they will want to be back in the frame for the title once more, meaning that drastic squad surgery will be needed.
With that in mind 101 took a look at who should remain at Stamford Bridge, and who should be seeking pastures new this summer.
Note* This list has been made assuming that Chelsea’s takeover goes through successfully, and that they are able to make transfers this summer.
Goalkeepers
Edouard Mendy
Chelsea’s no.1 has been a bit hit and miss this season after a stellar debut campaign for The Blues. Despite this, however, he retains the trust of Thomas Tuchel and given the upheaval that looks certain to happen this season, he is sure to keep his place between the posts.
Verdict: Keep
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The £71m signing remains underwhelming, and it feels as though he has too many skeletons in his Chelsea closet to be successful at Stamford Bridge. A move away might be best if he is looking for regular football.
Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea looks dejected after missing the deciding penalty in the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Verdict: Sell
Marcus Bettinelli
A solid third choice goalkeeper who is not worth the hassle it would require to replace him.
Verdict: Keep
Defenders
Thiago Silva
Has little resale value even if Chelsea wanted to move him on, but he has been immense since he joined the Blues and has signed a one-year extension this season. Not going anywhere.
Verdict: Keep
Malang Sarr
Depending on who arrives, Sarr could find himself surplus to requirements. For now, however, Chelsea need every defender they can find.
Verdict: Keep
Cesar Azpilicueta
With Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger both leaving already, it feels as though Azpilicueta should really be staying in an ideal world. Whether the club would be willing to deny him a dream move to Barcelona given his previous service is another matter though.
Verdict: Keep
Ryan Sessegnon of Tottenham Hotspur gets away from Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on January 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Levi Colwill
Off the back of a brilliant season with Huddersfield Town, which could yet see them in the top flight next season, Colwill deserves a chance in pre-season and will, in all likelihood, continue his upward trajectory.
Verdict: Keep
Trevoh Chalobah
In the same boat as Malang Sarr. Has had a few indifferent performances but is currently a starter with the departures of Rudiger and Christensen.
Verdict: Keep
Ethan Ampadu
Needs another loan but does have potential, could provide a low cost defensive solution.
Verdict: Keep
Ben Chilwell
His absence was a massive blow to Chelsea and derailed their early form. Is practically untouchable in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Verdict: Keep
Ben Chilwell of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Marcos Alonso
One year left on his contract and seemingly wants out, with Barcelona interested. Won’t fetch a hefty price but could be worth cashing in on.
Verdict: Sell
Emerson
Well below the standard required at Chelsea, and a season at midtable Lyon in France has not changed that.
Verdict: Sell
Reece James
Like Chilwell on the opposite flank, Reece James is a key cornerstone for Chelsea. As a result, he won’t be going anywhere.
Verdict: Keep
Reece James of Chelsea FC holds the match ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Midfielders
N’Golo Kante
Although he only has one year left on his contract and has suffered with injury problems, no one is better than the Frenchman at what he does in world football. Can bring in competition for him, but he should be staying in west London this summer.
Verdict: Keep
Jorginho
One year left on his contract and now 30 years old, he could be on the move amid interest from Italy. It could be a good chance for Chelsea to refresh their midfield.
Verdict: Sell
Jorginho of Chelsea celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-4 during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images).
Matteo Kovacic
The Croatian has been a key midfielder for Chelsea since he joined from Real Madrid, and seems destined to continue to be so.
Verdict: Keep
Saul
An awful loan spell is coming to an end with no doubt that he won’t be at Stamford Bridge next season.
Verdict: Sell
Ross Barkley
Having been trying to offload Barkley in summers past, it is hard to see this window being any different. Hardly featured and could yet recoup the Blues a fee.
Verdict: Sell
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
A useful squad option that can come in and do a job when required. Probably one to keep.
Verdict: Keep
Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea celebrates scoring the opening goal during The FA Cup Semi-Final match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images).
Kenedy
The Brazilian played on the final day of the season, but is unlikely to begin 22/23 with the Blues.
Verdict: Sell
Mason Mount
The poster boy of the youth academy and the club top goalscorer last season, Mount is certainly staying at Stamford Bridge.
Verdict: Keep
Conor Gallagher
After a second successful loan spell in the top flight, it feels as though it’s Conor Gallagher’s time to shine in a Chelsea shirt.
Verdict: Keep
Conor Gallagher of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace at The King Power Stadium (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Billy Gilmour
The young Scot had a horrible loan spell at Carrow Road, but remains one for the future. Could perhaps do with another loan to earn his stripes.
Verdict: Keep
Forwards
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Struggled to fulfil his potential, and the £70m that Bayern Munich once offered for him now seems laughable. Needs a fresh start.
Verdict: Sell
Timo Werner
A second underwhelming season for Werner, who continues to work hard but gets very little end product. Needs upgrading.
Verdict: Sell
Timo Werner of Chelsea looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Sevilla at Stamford Bridge (Photo by Alastair Grant – Pool/Getty Images).
Romelu Lukaku
A torrid first season back in England but he remains one of the few true quality options left to Tuchel and showed signs of improvement towards the back end of the season.
Verdict: Keep
Kai Havertz
A mixed season in his new role as a number 9, Havertz remains very much one for the future and a man in the plans of Thomas Tuchel.
Verdict: Keep
Hakim Ziyech
Hasn’t really made Chelsea his home since he joined from Ajax, and has seen his game-time very much limited. Could well leave this summer.
Verdict: Sell
Ziyech of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic
Another who has struggled through injury and non-selection. Could be a world-beater on his day, but those are incredibly rare and his inconsistency could see him moved on depending on other moves.
Verdict: Sell
Armando Broja
A good season for Southampton and in truth his future depends on just how Chelsea judge his potential. Already due to command a high fee, he seems as though he will continue to improve, and could offer an in house striker solution.
Verdict: Keep
Read more:
Defender ‘expected’ to join Chelsea this summer as further additions planned
Fresh update on Chelsea takeover situation ahead of May 31st deadline
