Midfield duo futures uncertain with silence over potential new Chelsea deals

Chelsea are set for squad overhaul this summer and the midfield is likely to be the area with the most movement in the transfer window.

Graham Potter has already seen Jorginho, who was out of contract at the end of the season, depart for Arsenal last month and he is the first of many likely to leave Chelsea.

It has previously been reported that the Todd Boehly–Clearlake Capital ownership are ready to back Potter by refining the squad, bringing in key additions as well as offloading unwanted players surplus to requirements.

The midfield is jam packed with quality and depth right now, leaving many players’ futures uncertain in the capital.

Chelsea are currently holding talks with N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount over new deals, while Denis Zakaria could return to Juventus once his loan deal concludes should the Blues not opt to trigger the option to buy clause which was part of his agreement last summer.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s contract expires in 2024, with the option of a further year according to reports, while Carney Chukwuemeka only arrived from Aston Villa last summer.

However, two players who have been linked away this summer are Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher was the subject of strong January transfer interest. Everton were snubbed by the England international, with the Chelsea star remaining in west London on deadline day.

Meanwhile, in recent weeks Chelsea have been reported to be ready to listen to offers for Kovacic this summer.

Now Nizaar Kinsella reports Kovacic and Gallagher have had ‘no contact on new deals’, which could suggest the pair may be on the move this summer.

Kovacic is out of contract next summer and Gallagher is out of contract in 2025. Gallagher has previously been the subject of interest from Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.

The signing of Enzo Fernandez and summer interest in England duo Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham is likely to mean midfield departures should one be acquired.