7 Players Chelsea Should Sell in the Upcoming Transfer Window

To stand a chance of regaining the Premier League title, Chelsea are in desperate need of a major squad reshuffle. These are the players who should be shown the exit door in order to create room for fresh blood.

Florent Malouda

The Frenchman's best days are clearly behind him. After joining Chelsea from Lyon in 2007, the midfielder had a slow start to his career in England. His most successful season to date was in the 2009/11 Double-winning campaign, when he scored 14 times.

This season he has only been a bit-part player, mostly making substitute appearances. The Blues should be considering getting rid of the 31-year-old in the summer.

Jose Bosingwa

Since joining for 16 million pounds in 2008, the Portuguese's career has been blighted by injuries. Despite making an impressive start to his career at Stamford Bridge, the former Porto star suffered a long-term injury in October 2009. Since his return in June 2010, he has failed to replicate his 2008-09 form. Out of contract in June, he should be allowed to leave as a free agent.

Didier Drogba

Since his arrival in 2004, the Ivorian has been a key player for the Blues. He has so far found the back of the net 153 times, having made 329 appearances. In the Premier League, he scored his 100th goal at the weekend against Stoke, becoming the first African to achieve that feat.

But at 34, the Ivorian is not getting any younger. While he is still a force to be reckoned with, as he proved in Wednesday night's Chelsea win over Napoli in the Champions League, releasing the popular star would be a smart move as it would open the door for the arrival of young attacking sensations such as Brazilian Neymar.

Henrique Hilario

The Portuguese is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. Since Carlo Cudicini's departure for Tottenham in 2009, Hilario has been Petr Cech's deputy. However, he hasn't proved to be an able replacement for the occasionally injury-prone Czech Republic international.

Another of Chelsea's goal-keeping team, Ross Turnbull, is breathing down Hilario's neck. And even though Turnbull isn't any better than Hilario, at 27, Chelsea can afford giving the Englishman more time to prove his worth.

Hilario, at 36, does not have many years left in his career. The Blues are also in need of a top-class shot-stopper to challenge Cech for the No. 1 spot in the Chelsea goal.

Paulo Ferreira

Humble servant Ferreira was brought in by fellow Portuguese Jose Mourinho upon the tactician's arrival at the Bridge in 2004. The full-back has since been in and out of the starting XI. In his eight years at the club, he has made just 206 appearances, scoring two goals. The 33-year-old, who has made just five appearances this season, is no longer needed by the west London club.

Michael Essien

The Ghanaian is unquestionably a talented midfielder. Injuries have, however, taken their toll on the versatile 29-year-old, who is capable of playing several positions in midfield and defence. The injury-prone star is no longer the prize asset he once was. Amid speculation a host of European clubs are lining up a bid for "the Bison," Chelsea should cash in on him at the end of the season.

Raul Meireles

Having arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2011 from Liverpool, the Portugal international has failed to impress the Stamford Bridge faithful. Brought in by former boss Andre Villas-Boas to add a creative spark to the Chelsea midfield, Meireles has struggled to live up to his role's requirement. Having made 34 appearances, he only has three assists and six goals to his name.