Chelsea ‘put FOUR defenders up for sale’ as Frank Lampard plans a clear-out to raise funds

Chelsea‘s squad is bracing for a Frank Lampard-led revolution this summer, with the Blues boss reportedly set to oust four defenders amid 10 potential sales.

The legendary ex-midfielder is determined to refresh his defence after conceding more goals (54) than any other top-half Premier League team in his first season since retuning to Chelsea, finishing fourth before losing the FA Cup final to Arsenal. 

The west Londoners have put Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso up for sale with N’Golo Kante also potentially leaving, according to the Times. 

Frank Lampard is ready to conduct a clear-out in the Chelsea dressing room this summer 

Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen have both failed to impress the Blues boss this season

N’Golo Kante could also be on his way out as Chelsea look to raise funds for new signings 

Zouma, 25, and Christensen, 24, have stalled in their progress after being tipped for big things as youngsters, while Antonio Conte signings Alonso and Palmieri are among those below Lampard’s desired level. 

Arrizabalaga was dropped by the Englishman for Chelsea’s final Premier League game against Wolves, with Willy Caballero also taking his place at Wembley – but it is unlikely that a summer sale would regain much of the £71m they spent on the Spaniard after miserable season. 

Both Lampard and Mauricio Sarri having struggled to accommodate Kante in their systems and the Frenchman could be sold in an effort to prioritise the Blues’ weaker spots.

Ross Barkley could also be jettisoned this summer amid Lampard’s big shake-up in London 

Michy Batshuayi’s Chelsea days look to be over after disappointing substitute appearances

The Times also claim that Tiemoue Bakayoko and Ross Barkley are available, while Michy Batshuayi has been frozen-out by Lampard. 

Willian’s future is still in doubt, with the Brazilian winger having rejected Chelsea’s latest two-year contract offer, demanding a three-year deal as Arsenal and Tottenham circle. 

Lampard was denied the chance to bring in reinforcements a year ago amid Chelsea’s transfer ban and a disappointing January window, but has already pulled-off some superb business – landing Timo Werner for £53m and Hakim Ziyech for £38m. 

Chelsea are gathering funds to make a tilt at Leicester full-back Ben Chilwell this summer 

The Blues’ planned sales are designed to gather funds for more upgrades, with Leicester’s Ben Chilwell a priority at Stamford Bridge. 

The Leicester full-back finished the season on the sidelines with a thigh injury but was a standout performer in Brendan Rodgers’ side, who sat in the top-four for much of the season before Chelsea and Manchester United bumped them into fifth. 

The Foxes’ failure to seal a Champions League place will aid the west Londoners’ pursuit of the Englishman, with Lampard’s stature in the game also proving a boost in the transfer market after Werner claimed the England icon was a crucial factor in his decision to leave RB Leizpig behind.