Chelsea is still in financial turmoil following the departure of Roman Abramovich as owner, and they are set to lose some big-name players when their contracts expire this summer.
Chelsea are currently unable to offer new contracts to their players or hold negotiations with their representatives as a result of the UK government's decision to sanction Abramovich in March, following his country's invasion of Ukraine.
While the club hopes for a takeover in the coming weeks, new owners may arrive too late to prevent some of Chelsea's most important players from leaving and strengthening their domestic and continental rivals.
We've identified the five players who will be available for free transfer at the end of the 2021-22 season.
Antonio Rudiger
Given Chelsea's recent defensive struggles without Rudiger, it would be unthinkable for the Blues to let the centre-back leave this summer – but that prospect is becoming more likely.
The Germany international's contract expires this summer, and he has drawn interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.
The 29-year-old turned down two contract offers from Chelsea earlier this year, and with the UK government sanctions still in place, the club is unable to offer him another.
Chelsea hope to complete a takeover in the coming weeks, but according to The Athletic, any successful bid will be too late to persuade Rudiger to stay.
Their report, which states unequivocally that Rudiger will leave, mentions that Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Juventus, and Bayern Munich have all made contact with the center-representatives. back's Manchester United is also said to be interested.
Charly Musonda
Musonda's contract at Chelsea expires this summer – and Jose Mourinho is said to be interested in bringing him to Serie A.
When Roberto Di Matteo was in charge of the newly-crowned European champions, the 25-year-old joined the Blues academy in 2012.
However, all seven of his first-team appearances – and one solo goal – came during Antonio Conte's reign as manager in 2017-18.
According to Goal, Mourinho wants to sign Musonda for his Roma team, but they may face competition from Hellas Verona.
Musonda's next club will undoubtedly be a step up from the endless loan spells and draining injury problems he endured during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Andreas Christensen
Christensen's transfer to Barcelona was officially confirmed at the end of March 2022 – almost.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club had signed two players but refused to name them.
"We've finished two signings for the coming season," he said.
Laporta explained to Catalan radio station Rac1: "One is a midfielder, the other is a center-back." But I'm not allowed to say anything about them."
AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie and Christensen are widely expected to be the pair. The Chelsea defender has been a good servant for the Premier League club, but a move would benefit both the club and the player.
Danny Drinkwater
The Leicester City title-winner has not had the same level of success as his former Foxes teammate N'Golo Kante.
Drinkwater, a £35 million signing, has described his time at Stamford Bridge as "a shambles." He's only made 23 appearances for the club in his five-year contract, 22 of which came in his debut season, and will be off their books this summer when his contract expires.
The midfielder has gotten his career back on track while on loan at Reading in 2021-22, and you can bet he'll be looking to sign with them or another Championship club in the summer.
Jake Clarke-Salter
A well-known story: Clarke-Salter is a Chelsea academy graduate who has spent more time on loan than he has played for his hometown club.
The 24-year-old defender has spent the 2021-22 season with Coventry City after previously playing for Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse (of course), and Birmingham City.
When his Chelsea contract expires in the coming months, you'd think he'll be looking for a more permanent home. According to reports, Coventry City want to keep him.
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