Chelsea are pushing to get a slew of high profile stars off the books by June 30, and according to a report, seven major names will be ‘cleared to leave’ by Mauricio Pochettino.

As a consequence of Chelsea’s colossal outlay on transfers over the previous two windows, something of a firesale is required this time around.

The absence of revenue from being in next season’s Champions League is also something the club will have to grapple with moving forwards. But for the time being, Chelsea hope to begin their exodus the moment the summer window opens.

That’s according to the Evening Standard who state ‘Chelsea are in a race to sell players before June 30’.

The significance of that particular date is that is when the club’s accounts for 2022/23 must be filed. Any sales made after that date will count towards the books for 2023/24.

As such, and to avoid falling foul of Financial Fair Play, the action is expected to come thick and fast at Stamford Bridge next month.

On the subject of who incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino could axe, the Standard list seven players who are ‘set to be cleared to leave’.

Seven Chelsea stars who’ll lead the exodus

The seven-strong list is goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, midfielders Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic, wingers Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Of those seven, Aubameyang is the only player signed by Blues chairman Todd Boehly. Aubameyang’s time at Stamford Bridge has never ignited and the 33-year-old looks set to be a one and done in west London – providing a buyer is found, of course.

A Mendy exit could lead to the signing of David Raya from Brentford. Loftus-Cheek is being heavily courted by AC Milan and is valued around the £22m mark by Chelsea.

Perhaps the most damaging exit of the lot, however, would be that of Mateo Kovacic.

The Croatian has been a fine servant for the Blues since arriving from Real Madrid in 2019, though with his contract expiring in 2024, Chelsea don’t wish to run the risk of losing him for nothing.

Man City, Man Utd and Bayern Munich have all been linked with the 29-year-old. Bayern’s interest stems from the fact their manager is Thomas Tuchel who got the best out of Kovacic while in England.

Man City have eyed Kovacic up as a viable replacement if Ilkay Gundogan leaves as a free agent.

Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano confirmed Man Utd will make a midfield signing this summer and Football Insider declared they’re ‘willing’ to pay £30m for Kovacic.

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