Chelsea could force four players out the door after Pedro Neto transfer

Chelsea may decide to reduce the size of their bloated squad after completing the signing of Wolves winger Pedro Neto. The Blues have persisted with their scatter-gun approach in the summer market, with Neto set to become their ninth arrival of the window.

It has been reported that Chelsea are close to finalising the capture of Neto in a deal worth around £54million. The 24-year-old is said to be keen on moving to Stamford Bridge and has already settled on personal terms, with a medical to follow in the coming days.

The arrival of Neto will push several players further down the pecking order, suggesting that a few could leave before the window slams shut. Noni Madueke is among those who could struggle for game time with Neto likely to come straight into Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up.

The former PSV man has already been linked with Newcastle but nothing is believed to be imminent as things stand. However, a move to Tyneside could gain traction if Neto joins Chelsea, especially with rumours of Liverpool’s interest in Anthony Gordon refusing to die down.

Chelsea may also decide to sell up to three strikers in order to raise money and make space for new arrivals in the attacking positions. Armando Broja continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with a number of Premier League clubs thought to be keen.

Broja is set to hold showdown talks with Maresca to determine whether his interests would be better served elsewhere, according to the Daily Mail. Everton and Wolves are said to be keen on signing the Albanian forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham.

David Datro Fofana is another player who could leave Chelsea this summer, with the 20-year-old unlikely to play in many Premier League games next season. He has been linked with a potential move to Galatasaray but Leicester City are said to have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.

Chelsea will also be hoping to finally sell Romelu Lukaku to put an end to his disastrous second spell at Stamford Bridge. Napoli have been in talks with the Blues over a move for a number of weeks but are yet to push a deal through, leaving Lukaku’s future uncertain.

It has also been reported that Aston Villa could offer the Belgian forward another opportunity to play in the Premier League under Unai Emery. However, only time will tell if Chelsea can finalise his exit, with time running out to avoid being stuck with him until at least January.