Antonio Conte arrived at Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016, with the aim of rejuvenating a side that’d spent the previous 12 months in freefall following their title winning season. He’s already realised that the task on his hands is bigger than he thought and that he “can’t wave his magic wand” and everything will be fixed.
Here we look at five players whose future in Conte’s team could be in jeopardy.
Branislav Ivanovic
Form last season: Was desperately disappointing after playing a key role in Chelsea’s title winning defence the season before.
Form this season: Hasn’t improved and looks as if his best days are behind him. Has looked exposed and was responsible for the first goal against Arsenal. He’s had a dreadful 18 months.
Will he stay or will he go? He’ll survive until the end of the season, but Conte will definitely be looking elsewhere. Has a greater chance of staying if he starts playing at centre back, instead of right back.
Where could he go? The options decrease with each game he plays. It seems unlikely that another Premier League club will sign him. Italy looks likely.
Pedro
Form last season: Announced himself with a great goal on debut against WBA, but was largely anonymous throughout the season. He finished as joint-third highest scorer.
Form this season: Has been largely restricted to substitute appearances so far. 0 goals and 1 assist in 6 games so far this season.
Will he stay or will he go? Looks likely to stay and his work rate will be something that Conte likes. Time on the field is the issue that might make him want to move.
Where could he go? He’s best suited to Spanish football. He left Barcelona because of a lack of game time, so unlikely to return there. A top four club in Spanish football perhaps?
Gary Cahill
Form last season: Like many of Chelsea’s players, Cahill was poor. Only went to the Euros because of a lack of alternatives.
Form this season: Dreadful and looks lost without John Terry alongside him. Now aged 30, his time looks to be up.
Will he stay or will he go? Certainly looks to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.
Where could he go? Clubs will be lining up for the England vice-captain, but he might have to drop down a level for regular game time. His performances aren’t conducive to a top 4 team at the moment.
Cesc Fabregas
Form last season: Disappointing and failed to reproduce his form from the first half of the title winning season.
Form this season: Produced one of the passes of the season against Watford, but has been confined to substitute appearances. Is a victim of Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses and Conte’s need to bulk up the midfield to protect those at the back.
Will he stay or will he go? Likely to go in January.
Where could he go? He won’t be short of admirers, AC Milan were interested in the summer as are West Ham. Both could offer him regular game time.
Thibault Courtois
Form last season: Sent off twice and was injured from September to December. They might have done better if he’d been in the team.
Form this season: Looks shaky and there might be some regret in the Chelsea hierarchy that they opted for Courtois over Cech.
Will he stay or will he go? Likely to stay, but has recently declared his love for Spain and Spanish football. He might be sold at the end of the season if an offer is too good to refuse.
Where could he go? Spain. Either Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid.
