FRANK LAMPARD is already undertaking something of an overhaul at Chelsea with his youthful revolution.
This season, the Blues have mixed talented youngsters with savvy veterans to break into the top-four, despite their summer transfer ban.
Willian is one of five big-name stars out of contract at Chelsea this summerCredit: Rex Features
But with Chelsea now able to sign players again after their ban was reduced, a host of ageing flops could be shown the exit door.
Many Stamford Bridge flops are out of contract this summer and are therefore able to negotiate pre-contract terms with European clubs this month.
Take a look at the five highest profile names who could leave for nothing, below…
WILLIAN
OF all the players on the list, Willian is the only one getting regular football this season.
The Brazilian, 31, has shown flashes of his old brilliance, but has all too often gone missing in games.
When Chelsea fans turn on the team, Willian is often the player to take the brunt of the abuse.
He could leave this summer in a bid to find a new home who treat him like the star he still believes he can be.
OLIVIER GIROUD
Olivier Giroud’s time at Chelsea appears to be coming to an endCredit: AP:Associated Press
THINGS never quite panned out for Giroud the way he would have liked since joining from Arsenal in January 2018.
The France star, 33, has played more games for his country (six, scoring four) than he has for Chelsea in the Premier League (five, with no goals) this term.
French boss Didier Deschamps still holds him in high-regard, but without regular club football, he may not make the squad for this summer’s Euro 2020.
Giroud is hopeful of a permanent move THIS month – with Inter Milan and Newcastle interested – but if that doesn’t pan out, he is a certainty to leave on a free on July 1.
PEDRO
Pedro is expected to leave Chelsea on a free transfer this summerCredit: Getty
THE main casualty following the emergence of Callum Hudson-Odoi and arrival of Christian Pulisic, Pedro’s time in West London is over.
The former Barcelona star, 32, has played just five times in the league this season – scoring none.
As of now, no clubs appear to have even registered an interest in the 65-cap Spain legend.
But he will definitely be on the move in the summer on a free transfer – with Barca his preferred destination.
MARCO VAN GINKEL
Marco van Ginkel must surely be on his way out of Stamford Bridge in JulyCredit: Getty
THE talented “youngster”, isn’t so young, anymore…
Now 27-years-old, Van Ginkel still has a grand total of ZERO Premier League starts to his name following his £8million move from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013.
Loan spells at AC Milan, Stoke and PSV Eindhoven have seen the midfielder show flashes of talent.
But as far as Chelsea goes, his time his over, having failed to play a game all season after yet more injury woe.
WILLY CABALLERO
Willy Caballero is more than likely to leave Chelsea in the summerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
WILLY or won’t he?
You’d expect Caballero will quit this summer after growing tired of playing second-fiddle behind Thibaut Courtois and now Kepa Arrizabalaga since his 2017 move.
Having already spent three years as Joe Hart’s understudy at Manchester City, the 38-year-old will want at least one last crack of first-team action.
Caballero has revealed he desperately wants to retire – but his daughters won’t let him.
The Argentine has made three appearances this season – two in the Carabao Cup and one in the FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Lampard will ask even more from Hudson-Odoi after best Chelsea performance since return from injury
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
