From N'Golo Kante to Ross Barkley: Assessing 10 Chelsea players who could leave this summer

Premier League club expected to have a busy summer of recruitment, which means certain players will likely depart Stamford Bridge

N’Golo Kante. After three exemplary seasons where his importance to Chelsea was only surpassed by Eden Hazard, Kante had a campaign to forget in 2019/20 as injuries limited the French midfielder to 27 appearances. Lampard remains a huge fan, describing the World Cup winner as an “incredible player” and “huge for the club” so any exit would likely be out of his manager’s control or if a large offer is made. Verdict: Stays. Getty Images

Kepa Arrizabalaga. The world’s most expensive goalkeeper has so far failed to live up to his price tag. A shaky debut season can be forgiven, and the Spaniard actually produced his best run of form after his League Cup final mutiny – an act that could have ended his Chelsea career. This season, though, Kepa has regressed and has seemingly lost the trust of his manager. Chelsea’s dilemma now is how to offload an €80m (Dh346m) keeper on €170,000 per week. Verdict: Leaves, likely on loan. AP Photo

Kurt Zouma. After two seasons on loan, at Stoke City and Everton, Zouma returned to the Chelsea fold and played more minutes than any other central defender in 2019/20. The Frenchman deserves great credit for bouncing back from a career-threatening injury in 2017 and staking his claim in the Blues first team, but his future could be determined by who Lampard is able to recruit as upgrades are available. Verdict: Stays. PA

Andreas Christensen. Considered very much the third, or even fourth, choice centre-back at Chelsea, having started six of the first seven Premier League games. The return to fitness next season of Fikayo Tomori is likely to limit Christensen’s game time further, particularly if a new centre-back arrives. There is sure to be interest in the Dane this summer. Verdict: Leaves. Reuters

Emerson Palmieri. Started the season as Lampard’s first-choice left-back but has slipped down the pecking order following the emergence of Reece James (allowing Cesar Azpilicueta to move to the left) and the switch to a back-three which brought Marcos Alonso into the fold as wing-back. A return to Italy the most likely outcome this summer. Verdict: Leaves. Reuters

Marcos Alonso. A vital component to Chelsea’s 2016/17 title-winning team, Alonso’s most recent campaign was a real mix – depending on which position he was deployed. At left-back, the Spaniard was a liability, but he remained a useful attacking outlet at wing-back. It does feel as though his Chelsea days are numbered, though, particularly if Ben Chilwell is signed from Leicester City. Verdict: Leaves. AFP

Tiemoue Bakayoko. The French midfielder was signed in 2017 from Monaco for €45m but spent just one season at Stamford Bridge before being shipped out on loan, first to AC Milan before spending last season back at Monaco. A move that has not worked out at all. Verdict: Leaves. Reuters

Ross Barkley. When he broke through the Everton ranks, Barkley was billed as the next big English star. While the midfielder has shown glimpses of his quality, he has undoubtedly fallen short of that early promise. To be fair, the 2019/20 season was his best in a Chelsea shirt, but Barkley is still not considered a first-choice player by Lampard. Unless a big offer comes in for him, it’s unlikely Lampard would force him to move. Verdict: Stays. AFP

Michy Batshuayi. It has been four years since the Belgian striker moved to Chelsea from Marseille for €35m and with a burgeoning reputation. In that time, though, Batshuayi has never managed to establish himself as the lead striker and has spent three separate loan spells away from the club. Surely this is the summer he leaves for good. Verdict: Leaves. AFP

Willian. Chelsea’s experienced winger has enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career, producing 11 goals and nine assists across all competitions. Lampard has made it clear he wants the Brazilian to stay but the club and player remain at loggerheads over a new contract: Willian wants a three-year deal but Chelsea are only willing to offer two. At this stage, it appears Willian’s seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end. Verdict: Leaves. PA

Chelsea have already made a statement of their intent in the transfer market as Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.

Two exciting signings have already been completed with German striker Timo Werner and Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech already training with the Blues following their moves from RB Leipzig and Ajax respectively.

Chelsea are expected to make more signings during the off-season, with Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz, Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell, Real Madrid's Sergio Reguilon, Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, and Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha among the names recently linked with the club.

However, just as important as the players Chelsea sign will be the players offloaded to make room in the squad and balance the books.

According to British newspaper The Times, as many as 10 players in the Chelsea senior squad could leave this summer including, perhaps surprisingly, French midfielder N'Golo Kante.

In the photo gallery above, we look at those 10 players and assess whether they will still be at Stamford Bridge come next season. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.