Maresca already has progress on the Chelsea “monster” that he is ready to sell

As Chelsea focus on new additions to strengthen Enzo Maresca's squad this summer, they are also aiming to offload a number of first-team members who are not at the level required of the Italian.

Romelu Lukaku has been an ingredient in disaster since his £97.5m deal to rejoin the Blues, scoring just 15 times in his second spell at Stamford Bridge.

His poor form at the club, coupled with his huge £325k-a-week wages, has seen the club appreciate his services, with Serie A side Napoli eyeing a possible destination for the 31-year-old.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has also hinted at leaving the club permanently, just six years on from his £71.6m move to the Blues – a deal that made him the most expensive 'keeper in world football.

However, another member of the first team appears to be edging closer to an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer, with Maresca making it clear that the graduate is not in his plans for next season.

Chelsea will release £35m worth of talent this summer

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are looking to sell defender Trevor Chalobah this summer after being sacked by new coach Maresca.

The England international made 13 appearances for the Blues in the Premier League last season, but it looks like he will be playing his last game for Chelsea – the club he has been with since he was a teenager.

He was left out of Maresca's squad for their pre-season tour of the US, with journalist Graeme Bailey claiming the defender will be left out of the Premier League club's squad for the 2024/25 campaign.

Undoubtedly, it has put many sides on red alert for his signing, including Newcastle United and West Ham United, but the Blues will demand around £35m to part with Chalobah despite his absence.

It would be great to get money in that region, especially given that Maresca has already improved in his current squad – meaning any money would be a huge plus in the face of the club's ongoing FFP battle.

Why Colwill promoted Chelsea's Chalobah

Chalobah, who has previously been called a “beast” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, will no doubt have a tough time on the move, and fans may vent their frustration at his lack of performance in recent years.

However, unfortunately for Chalobah, he was unable to dislodge one talent who has also managed to get into the Cobham academy from 2020.

Levi Colwill has developed rapidly at Chelsea, becoming a key member of the defensive unit in the last 12 months after various loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton and Hove Albion.

He has gone from strength to strength at Stamford Bridge, registering 23 Premier League appearances last season, and backing Maresca's decision to stick with him and replace the centre-back.

If you compare the statistics of the two last season on FBref, Colwill has blown the 25-year-old player out of the water, he has the potential to be even better as he is four years younger than Chalobah.

The former Brighton loanee excelled defensively, winning 10% more, while excelling at 68% in aerial battles, compared to Chalobah's figures of just 46%.

However, Colwill was also effective on the ball, which made him a good fit in a Maresca-based system – he averaged more than double the number of tackles and 1.3 assists per game.

It may seem like a tough decision to offload Chalobah this summer, but the Italian boss is showing the ruthless nature needed to get the club back to the bottom of the Premier League.

The proceeds could allow him to invest in key areas of the club, such as central midfielders, which could give the Blues the momentum they lacked last season.