Thomas Tuchel has nine loanee decisions to make at Chelsea this summer
Thomas Tuchel is likely to strengthen his squad with reinforcements at Chelsea this summer – but he also has a host of loanees returning to the club.
Reports suggest Roman Abramovich is prepared to hand Tuchel a hefty transfer warchest after being impressed with his first half-season at the helm, which has seen him guide the Blues to the FA Cup and Champions League finals.
It is believed he has set his sights on a new centre-forward, with Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski emerging as a target, while a new central midfielder could also be required.
However, Chelsea also have nine loan stars who will hope to return and play a part at Stamford Bridge next season – meaning Tuchel has some big decisions to make.
Michy Batshuayi
The Belgian has spent this season out on loan at Crystal Palace for a second time, but his form is unlikely to have convinced Chelsea officials that he deserves to be involved next term.
Batshuayi has only scored two goals in 20 appearances for Palace, so with one year remaining on his contract expect him to depart permanently in the summer.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Another Blues star who has struggled out on loan, Loftus-Cheek was unable to prevent Fulham from dropping back down to the Championship.
The midfielder has generally failed to impress at Craven Cottage, but Tuchel recently hinted that he could work his way back into the Chelsea side next year.
Ross Barkley
The England international got off to a flyer on loan at Aston Villa this season, registering two goals and an assist in his first five outings.
Nevertheless, after spending two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury Barkley has been unable to rediscover his best form in the second half of the campaign, leaving Tuchel with a big decision to make over his future.
Conor Gallagher
Despite proving unsuccessful in his bid to help West Brom avoid relegation, Gallagher has impressed at the Hawthorns and looks an encouraging prospect for the future.
It remains to be seen whether Tuchel thinks the 21-year-old midfielder is ready to join his senior squad next season, though, and another loan switch is highly probable.
Ethan Ampadu
Like Loftus-Cheek and Gallagher, the 20-year-old has found himself on board a sinking ship this season, racking up 29 appearances for relegated Sheffield United.
The move will likely prove a great learning experience for him, but it's still a long shot that Ampadu will be in Tuchel's plans next term.
Tiemoue Bakayoko
Yes, we can't believe he's still their player either. Three years on from his nightmare debut season in west London, Bakayoko is on Chelsea's books while out on loan at Napoli.
The French midfielder's future at Stamford Bridge is all but over, meaning a permanent departure this summer surely suits both parties.
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Fikayo Tomori
Several Chelsea fans were left scratching their heads when the 23-year-old centre-back was given the cold shoulder by Tuchel's predecessor Frank Lampard and sent out on loan to AC Milan in January.
Tomori has become a key member of Stefano Piolo's backline and produced some masterful defensive displays, but if he wants to join Milan permanently there is nothing the Blues can do after reportedly including a £25million buy-out clause in the loan deal.
Malang Sarr
Another talented young central defender on Chelsea's books, Sarr has shown glimpses of his potential at Porto this season and is due to return upon the expiry of his loan.
Though with Tomori potentially heading back to the Bridge, another loan move is most likely for the French ace in 2021/22.
Chelsea and Tottenham's long-standing transfer feud as Blues chase Harry Kane deal
Davide Zappacosta
It is tough to see where the Italian right-back, on loan at Genoa this term, fits into Chelsea's squad right now given Reece James and captain Cesar Azpilicueta are currently competing for that spot.
And with only a year remaining on his current deal, Blues chiefs only have one more transfer window to cash in on Zappacosta.
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