Chelsea's summer transfer window could heavily depend on their exits as much as their incomings as Mauricio Pochettino's squad starts to take shape. The new head coach inherits a team that was bloated after a number of signings in the past two windows that saw very few leave in their place.
The result was a side that seemed to make a host of changes every game in the hopes of finding a solution to their struggling form last season. The west London outfit finished 12th, having four different managers take charge of their matches, making the next appointment key.
The mid-table finish could enforce the reset that is needed for Pochettino to succeed, with a whole host of exits set for the coming weeks. N'Golo Kante is readying a move to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer, while the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy have also been linked with joining the Frenchman's lead.
Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Romelu Lukaku, Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic and Trevoh Chalobah have all been subject of interest too. Any number of those stars leaving could free up the opportunity to shape the future of Pochettino's era at Stamford Bridge.
Another that could be set for an exit is Marc Cucurella after the defender's big-money move from Brighton last summer hasn't really returned the valuation paid for him. The Spaniard cost £60million, but struggled with the defensive side in a team that was struggling to gain results.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Havertz 'close', Rice hint, Lavia issue, Mount bid
It could see the Blues cut their losses, should an offer come in for the left-back, which may just be in the works this summer transfer window. According to the Mirror, Newcastle are interested in a deal to land Cucurella in their aim to strengthen their squad with quality and depth for the upcoming Champions League campaign.
The deal could come at a cost to the Blues, as the Magpies are said to be willing to offer £30million, half of the price they paid one summer ago. Having signed a six-year deal, the value of the contract has dwindled to £50million through amortisation, which means relatively speaking, Chelsea would take a £20million hit.
It remains to be seen whether they'd be willing to take that, with the squad needing to be trimmed before some incomings are planned.
READ NEXT:
Moises Caicedo to Chelsea transfer: Secret bid, swap deal, Arsenal final decision, Man Utd move
Kai Havertz to Arsenal transfer agreement 'close' as Chelsea prepare response to new bid
