Chelsea were primed for a big clearout before Roberto di Matteo took over- even despite reaching the Champions League Final, these players face questions over their future.
Will Chelsea decide to stick or twist in the summer?
Fernando Torres
A lot was made of Torres goal in the Nou Camp, it was an amazing moment which put the rubber stamp on Chelsea’s victory, but even without it they would have gone through. Despite the magnitude of the game, the questions over his goalscoring ability remain, with an overall very poor season to add to his CV. It still may improve with further goals in the two cup finals, but he is likely to start both on the bench. With Chelsea linked with players like Falcao and Cavani, Torres could well be sold on this summer to the highest bidder.
Didier Drogba
Surely Chelsea fans would love Drogba to stay, but perhaps it would be fitting for the Ivorian to bow out with his last game for the club as the Champions League Final. It is no secret Drogba has been looking at a fresh start all season, linked with big money moves to China, the USA, France, Russia and Qatar. He can really take his pick, but this late season revival may convince him he can still cut it at the very top level, and he may just get offers from clubs like AC Milan, or even one closer to home in the Premier League.
Jose Bosingwa
Bosingwa amazed everyone with his Nou Camp performance, for defensively he has been suspect all season. He started as first choice right-back under Villas-Boas, but was overlooked for forgotten man Paulo Ferreira in Benfica and Branislav Ivanovic is number one choice. Chelsea have been linked with Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel, and he won’t be the only name on their list. If they do make a signing, Bosingwa could be shown the door to make way.
Solomon Kalou
Question marks over Kalou’s future still remain, with him seemingly linked with a new club each day in the press. He bagged the crucial away goal against Benfica, when picked as a surprise starter. He has struck five goals this season in total, but spends most of his time watching on from the bench, and is at the stage of his career where he needs to start regularly. Rival clubs Tottenham and Arsenal have both been linked, and he is a free agent this summer so can take his pick.
Jon Obi Mikel
Mikel may have saved his Chelsea career with his two outstanding performances against Barcelona, or the Chelsea hierarchy may decide even that is not enough. All season Mikel has been short of the high standard he was expected to be at by now, with his progression stalled, and his position in central midfield would be one which the club had targeted to improve this summer. Has he done enough to change their minds, or will he be shown the door based on his inconsistent league form?
Which of the previous five will stay and which will go?
image: © Crystian Cruz
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