Chelsea Transfer Rumors: 5 Players Who Could Be Gone Before Wednesday Deadline

With the close of the 2011 summer transfer window only days away, the deadline deals that make this period so exciting will start to flood into news desks throughout Europe. Managers are looking to shore up their squads as the excitement of a new season wears off and the competitions pile up.

Andre Villas-Boas has had a relatively quiet summer as the new boss of Chelsea. This should surprise no one, however, as in his first days on the job, he openly showed his support for the club's current players.

Since then, the season has started and things have not quite been going to plan. It quickly became obvious that Chelsea will need to use this next week to bring in the talent necessary to run the boss’ system.

Juan Mata was the first major signing for the Portuguese man in blue. But with the lingering saga of Luka Modric hanging over his head, as well as a handful of other players who can improve his side, there is no doubt more moves will be made before the clock strikes 12 this Wednesday.

However, for every player brought in, there is another who may see his days at Stamford Bridge numbered.

Here are five players who may see themselves on the move in the next few days.

Yossi Benayoun

After a tough, injury-filled first season at Stamford Bridge, Benayoun proved his worth this summer. The preseason was a coming-out party of sorts for the Israeli, as he got good playing time and made the most of it.

Chelsea’s Achilles heel last season was their lack of creativity through the midfield. Benayoun looked to be that spark that they needed. He is good on the ball and has a decent eye for the game. He is someone who has the ability to create something out of nothing with just the ball at his feet.

However, the residents of west London weren’t the only ones noticing his play. Chelsea’s rivals to the north, Tottenham, have recently taken a keen interest in acquiring his services.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is a long-time admirer of the midfielder, dating back to his days at Portsmouth.  He once remarked "Of course I'd like to have someone like Yossi Benayoun," back in 2008.

With Chelsea continuing their never ending pursuit of Spurs midfielder Luka Modric, Benayoun has become a rumored pawn in that deal. The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea are ready to offer the Israeli as part of deal to bring the Croatian to Stamford Bridge.

Benayoun may find himself moving just 10 miles up the road as collateral damage more than for a dip of form.

Salomon Kalou

Kalou has been a dependable bench player since he arrived at the club back in 2006. He has never been able to find his way into being a consistent starter, but he was a good choice for first off the bench when the situation dictated the need for a goal.

For being a player that rarely sees a full 90 minutes, he has netted an impressive 54 goals in 224 appearances. He and Drogba at one point provided an instant chemistry through their native homeland connection.

Villas-Boas has thought more of Kalou than other Chelsea managers, starting him on the right wing position in the first two matches. However, the move seems to have backfired on the new boss, as Kalou has been less than adequate in the role.

With Kalou taken off in the 74th minute against Stoke and embarrassingly in the 34th against West Brom, Villas-Boas may trying be trying to cut his losses.

Furthermore his name, which was originally linked to Spurs to help bring Modric to the team, has come up again. The Guardian reports that both Benayoun and Kalou (and of course some cash) could be the key to landing their man.

It could be because of his poor play or Tottenham’s desperate need for a goal scorer on their team. Either way, it is looking more likely that Kalou will not be in Chelsea blue by this time next week.

Alex

Alex’s career at Stamford Bridge has always been one in the shadows, but successful nonetheless.

When he first came he was playing behind John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. Injuries to Carvalho in 2008 gave him his first chance at being an everyday player. He filled the role well, becoming a staunch defender and an offensive threat both in the air and on long-distance strikes.

Alex’s 30-yard free kick against Liverpool in the 2009 Champions League semifinals still remains one of the greatest in the club’s history.

However, at age 29 and with the arrival of David Luiz last winter, he has again seen himself relegated to the bench.

In the recent weeks, it has been reported that Juventus are very interested in the Brazilian’s services. Alex seems to be promoting the move to Turin in order to gain more playing time.

He told Sky Sports Italia, “My agent has been contacted by Juventus, I am 29 years old and it would be a great opportunity. I would love to play in Italy and I hope I can realise this dream before I retire.”

As it stands right now, it appears Juventus only wants him on loan, but Chelsea are only willing to sell. The two have yet to come to an agreement, but with Alex’s push, a deal can be expected within the next few days.

Florent Malouda

Malouda was once the most feared left winger in all the Premier League. Not for his speed or skill like most wingers are, but the fact that no one could deliver better balls to big men like Drogba and Anelka. 

Those two have scored over 200 goals in Chelsea uniforms, and Malouda has been the supplier on many.

Under Villas-Boas, Malouda has been an integral part of his plan. For the most part, he has been one of the better players on the field in the first two games. He even managed a goal on a nice back post run against West Brom.

Unfortunately, he does not seem to be too much in the plans for the future.

Malouda plays a very effective, but static style. He is not a player who performs well in the quick build up and is best employed as a deep winger. Villas-Boas prefers his wingers to play high up, more as a wide striker.

With the acquisition of Juan Mata the other day, Malouda has found his starting role under fire. Mata plays much more in tune to Villas-Boas’ tactics. He also just cost the team roughly £29m and would be wasted if put in a substitute role.

Furthermore, Villas-Boas has been keen on bringing in his former Porto left back Alvaro Pereira making more competition on that side of the field.

With only one year left on his contract, it may be best for both him and the club to part ways now. Juventus has already expressed a strong interest in bringing the Frenchman to Italy, as his agents have reported that his services could be acquired for just around £5m.

The former Italian giants who are looking for a talented winger on the cheap could probably do no better.

Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge came back from his loan to Bolton last season as developed player. His performances in the preseason made Chelsea fans wonder where this kid was hiding and finally gave them hope for the future.

He is yet to feature this season, as he will sit out this Saturday to complete the three-match ban he got in his last game with Bolton. Once he is back, fans are expecting Villas-Boas to give him some regular playing time and start molding him for the future.

However, he still remains a young player who is unproven in the highest of competition. With Nicolas Anelka showing good form in the right wing role, Sturridge may find himself waiting a bit longer to be the go-to man.

Not to mention, Villas-Boas has already stated that Mata could potentially play on the right, especially if Chelsea should land Pereira.

He has been rumored on a move since the end of last season, mostly back to Bolton. He was a star there and Wanderers boss Owen Coyle is keen on locking him in for a while. They have reportedly already tried to obtain him for another season-long loan spell as they look to continue to move up the table.

Other reports suggest he may be used in a player swap to bring in Raul Meireles from Liverpool. Others even have him linked in the Modric deal.

Few of these rumors have any weight to them, but Sturridge has been developing at such a nice pace it would be terrible to slow that by placing him on the bench. Any move he would make would be on loan most likely.

Then, when room becomes available, he could be brought back to Stamford Bridge to help build that seemingly strong side of the future.

Who Else?

Are these the only names on the Chelsea chopping block? Who else can you see no longer repping the blue come September?