Chelsea get perfect chance to begin firesale as AC Milan eye 'three players'

Chelsea have been gifted the opportunity to kickstart their firesale thanks to AC Milan. The Serie A side are reportedly keen on three of the Blues’ first-team players which would allow the club to raise significant funds for their own spending spree.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have endured a miserable start to the season, winning just nine of their opening 23 matches to put themselves in 11th place in the Premier League. Chelsea look drained of ideas and motivation, with many pointing the finger at the manager as a result.

However, numerous Blues players have also been criticised for their performances and serious investment is required during the summer to try and right the wrongs of their previous spending sprees. Chelsea are looking to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and attempted to raise funds during the January transfer window with sales, though their public auction proved unsuccessful.

AC Milan appear to be willing to throw the Stamford Bridge outfit a lifeline though, with Gazzetta Dello Sport reporting that the Italian giants have shortlisted three Chelsea players as targets for the summer.

Milan are said to be keen to bolster their ranks when the campaign concludes and are keeping tabs over Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah. The latter was heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea last month having fallen out of favour under Pochettino, with Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham said to have registered an interest in acquiring his services.

The Blues are keen to sell Chalobah due to his homegrown status representing pure profit financially, though striking a deal for Badiashile could be more tricky. The ex-Monaco star has featured prominently under Pochettino when he has been fit and available, though a sizeable offer for the 22-year-old would certainly test their resolve.