Transfer Talk: Which players are in Chelsea's departure lounge?

The summer transfer window could be a busy one for Chelsea.

With a bloated squad and a need to make money from sales to comply with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules, several players are likely to leave Stamford Bridge.

Recent reports have suggested as many as 15 squad members could depart after a disappointing season.

Ahead of the Blues' FA Cup clash with Leicester, we consider who might move on when the current campaign concludes.

Summer clearance

A number of bit-part players are expected to be up for sale as Chelsea attempt to rebuild their squad.

The likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Malang Sarr, Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke have all been peripheral figures this season and could be considered dispensable.

Chelsea also have a host of players out on loan, many of whom are unlikely to return to the fold at the end of the season.

Chairman Todd Boehly will hope to cash in on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku, while Ian Maatsen, David Datro Fofana, Lewis Hall and Armando Broja may be surplus to requirements.

There will also be a desire to part ways with some high earners, most notably Thiago Silva — the Brazilian turns 40 in September — and Marc Cucurella.

The latter has struggled since joining from Brighton in 2022 for £60million and Chelsea are reportedly open to offers.

Gallagher gossip

Perhaps the most surprising potential departure is that of Conor Gallagher.

The midfielder, who has captained Chelsea for periods of the season, has been a bright point in an otherwise forgettable campaign.

No Blues player has made more ball recoveries (164), completed more passes into the final third (405) or created more chances (38) in the Premier League.

And Mauricio Pochettino has repeatedly highlighted Gallagher's importance in a youthful, inexperienced team.

But the 24-year-old has yet to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge, with his contract expiring in less than 18 months.

He was linked to Tottenham in January and the rumours will only grow stronger in the coming months if there is no news of an extension.

Sterling for sale

Raheem Sterling has had a poor season by his usually high standards.

The England international has six goals in the Premier League — matching his equally underwhelming tally in 2022-23 — from an xG of 6.43.

Though there are mitigating circumstances — mainly Chelsea's poor overall performances across the last two years — Sterling's arrival from Manchester City has not worked out.

And some fans appear to have lost patience, with sections of the crowd booing the winger when was taken off against Leeds in the last round of the FA Cup.

Pochettino said: "He [Sterling] is fully committed to Chelsea, is doing well and he is always very committed. 

"He is one of the players who is at 99% of training sessions. Always training and always available. 

"Sometimes he is good, sometimes not so good — like all players."

Despite the backing of his manager, it would be no surprise to see Chelsea sell a player who turns 30 at the end of the year.