Chelsea weigh departures for four forwards as Xabi Alonso seeks to reshape attack

Chelsea are preparing for a major overhaul of their forward line, with manager Xabi Alonso ready to sanction the departures of four attacking players as the club attempts to reduce the size of his squad.

Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson are expected to leave Stamford Bridge within the next two weeks, according to Foot Mercato, citing Sky Sports. The pair were absent from Chelsea’s friendly against Real Sociedad on Saturday, a decision viewed as a further indication that the club is seeking swift solutions for both players.

Jackson, the Senegal international, is attracting interest from several clubs in the Premier League. Delap, meanwhile, is reportedly the preferred option for Como.

Chelsea’s plans may also include a temporary move for Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukrainian winger is expected to be sent out on loan, with the club keen to provide him with more regular playing time while creating additional space in its attacking ranks.

There is also serious interest in Pedro Neto from Saudi Arabia, particularly from Al-Hilal. His possible departure would add another significant decision to Chelsea’s efforts to reshape the squad.

The changes in attack come as Alonso prepares for wider alterations at Chelsea. The London club has a large group of players and is expected to intensify its efforts to reduce numbers in the coming days.

The Spanish manager has already warned that radical changes are needed, especially in defence. However, the work facing Chelsea extends beyond the back line, with the forward positions also set for substantial movement over the coming weeks.

Chelsea must now find the right balance between its financial ambitions and the need to reduce the squad considerably. If Delap, Jackson and Mudryk all leave, with Neto also potentially following them, the club could generate a sizeable sum from the deals.

The expected departures would give Chelsea greater room to reorganise its attack, while also allowing the club to address the issue of an oversized squad. For now, the absence of Delap and Jackson from the friendly against Real Sociedad has increased speculation that their futures could be resolved shortly.

Any decision on Mudryk is likely to focus on a loan arrangement rather than a permanent sale, allowing the winger to play more often while helping Chelsea open up a place in the forward line. Neto’s situation may depend on whether Al-Hilal’s interest develops into a formal move.

With several exits being considered at once, Chelsea face a busy period in the transfer market as Alonso looks to impose his plans on the team.