With the exception of Eden Hazard and David Luiz, Chelsea had to keep every other first team player at the club until the end of the season due to the transfer ban that was placed on the club.
Chelsea were prevented from signing players during the summer transfer window as FIFA had imposed a two-window ban on Chelsea after accusing the club of breaching regulations in relation to the signing of youth players.
Chelsea’s appeal to FIFA regarding the ban was thrown out, but in June the club submitted an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and the sports regulatory body has now lifted the ban placed on the club. Chelsea are now free to sign players in the January transfer window, and if Blues boss Frank Lampard decides to delve into the transfer market, some players could now be allowed to leave the club.
1. Marcos Alonso: From the start of the season, it was clear that Frank Lampard wasn’t a fan of Alonso as he immediately settled for Emerson Palmieri in the left-back position. Alonso got some opportunities after Emerson’s injury, and to the Spaniard’s credit, he impressed during that time. However, his form started to drop again and after an awful performance in the 4-4 draw against Ajax, Alonso hasn’t played for the club again since November 4. Alonso was taken off at half-time in that game and Lampard is keen on signing a new left-back as he has had to play Cesar Azpilicueta in the left-back spot.
Alonso now stands the risk of being now sold now that Lampard can sign players in January.
2. Pedro: Pedro has been out of the Chelsea team for well over a month and he finally got a chance to play in the game against West Ham, but the Spanish winger was awful in the defeat to the Hammers.
Pedro’s form has been below par this season and although he hasn’t had much game time this term, the winger hasn’t also been impressive in the few games he has played.
Coincidentally, in all three games Chelsea have failed to score this season, Pedro was in the starting line-up. Pedro’s contract with Chelsea winds up at the end of the season, but the Spaniard might eventually leave the club in January.
3. Olivier Giroud: Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is keen on leaving Chelsea in January in search of more playing time, and the 32-year-old might get his wish as the Blues can now sign players during the winter transfer season.
Giroud’s contract with Chelsea will wind up at the end of the season, and he has been linked with Italian clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan as well as Premier League side Crystal Palace. He was given a rare start against West Ham, but the strong forward failed to impress in that game.