CHELSEA are looking to shift Ross Barkley before the transfer window shuts — and could even free the ex-England midfielder from his deal.
The 28-year-old’s fate is ironically going to be sealed by the expected arrival of winger Anthony Gordon from Barkley’s old club Everton.
The former Goodison Park starlet is now well down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge but still has a year left on a contract worth around £200,000-a-week.
It would take a huge pay-off to let Barkley go but new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly may make an offer to offload him.
Barkley travelled on the Blues’ pre-season tour of the US last month but has not been involved with Thomas Tuchel’s first team since the Prem campaign began.
He was loaned to Aston Villa from Chelsea during the 2020-21 season, making 24 appearances under Dean Smith.
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The 33-cap England international made a surprise return to the Blues’ first team last term.
Barkley played 14 times in all competitions last season, even scoring during the 2-1 final day victory over Watford.
Chelsea have had a busy summer under new owner Todd Boehly.
The Blues have recruited Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella, as well as youngsters Omari Hutchinson, Gabriel Slonina, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei.
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They are set to add Leicester star Wesley Fofana to their summer haul in the coming days.
The Blues finally sealed a deal worth £70million plus hefty add-ons.
Fofana, 21, has agreed a six-year contract with Chelsea.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
