Chelsea loaning out one of their players this summer now looks highly unlikely.
Some players will be expected to go out on loan when the transfer window opens.
The likes of Alfie Gilchrist and Lesley Ugochukwu, for example, are unlikely to play that much next season so leaving Chelsea temporarily would make plenty of sense for them.
Gilchrist, who can play in central defence and at right-back, will have to compete against the likes of captain Reece James, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile and new signing Tosin Adarabioyo for a spot.
As for Ugochukwu, he still has Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in front of him, the two most expensive signings in Chelsea’s history.
Chelsea youngster set to stay
While you would expect the likes of Gilchrist and Ugochukwu to leave Chelsea this summer, it appears that another youngster will be staying.
According to The Athletic, the Blues are not interested in selling or loaning Andrey Santos in the upcoming transfer window.
The outlet claims that the 20-year-old midfielder is seen as a great fit for Enzo Maresca, who could use him in the Europa Conference League to keep things fresh.
Chelsea named Maresca as their new manager last week following Mauricio Pochettino‘s departure from the club at the end of May.
Should Andrey Santos be part of Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad?
There could be room for Santos at Chelsea next season.
There will be concerns about Romeo Lavia’s fitness after his injury hell last term, while Conor Gallagher could leave the club.
The 24-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract. To avoid the risk of losing him for free next summer, Chelsea may decide to sell him amid interest from Aston Villa.
However, you have to wonder how often Santos is going to play with Caicedo and Fernandez around. Probably not often, so for the sake of his development, it may actually be better to loan out the Brazilian this summer.