Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Swansea City, Bolton Wanderers and PSG will be among the suitors for these five stars.
Solomon Kalou
The Ivorian has never really established himself at Stamford Bridge, despite having chances under numerous managers.
If not this month, then Kalou will be off in the summer after finding opportunities equally limited under Villas-Boas.
Arsenal have been linked with his signature previously, and he will still be on Arsene Wenger’s radar.
Florent Malouda
One player who has really taken a backwards step under Villas-Boas is Florent Malouda.
The French winger had a terrific start to last season but his form dropped at the start of 2011 and the slide has not been reversed.
No longer an assured starter, his future lies away from the club, with a return to his homeland and cash-strapped PSG most likely.
Didier Drogba
Drogba is an icon of Chelsea’s success dating back to the Mourinho years.
This season he has looked largely disinterested, save for two games against Valencia and Manchester City.
The calibre of these opponents shows his talent is still there, but is his desire?
His agent has already stated he will go to whoever offers him the most money, as he ‘needs to pay the bills’. Poor chap.
A move to Russia or the Middle East beckons.
Alex
The departure of the Brazilian centre-back is a certainty. If not then he really needs to find a new agent.
The manager has made it clear he is not wanted, placing him on the transfer list, and even preferring Paula Ferreira at centre-back in the club’s hour of need.
Tottenham could be surprise bidders, after Chelsea seem to have secured Gary Cahill, a one time target of theirs, in a position for which they require cover.
Josh McEachran
Don’t worry Chelsea fans, McEachran is only likely to depart on loan.
The young ball-playing midfielder clearly needs games to aid his development, and he is not getting these at present.
He needs a loan move similar to Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge’s spells at Bolton, and the canny Owen Coyle will already be making enquiries, and the deal could be part of the Gary Cahill package.
Alternatively Swansea could be an option with former coach Brendan Rodgers still having close ties with Stamford Bridge.
image: © Ben Sutherland
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