How are Chelsea coping with reducing squad size?

[Getty Images] The reality of Chelsea's wider situation is they need to be transactional as they look to reduce the size of their squad. They have around 40 players and need to trim that number closer to a more traditional 25-man party, particularly in a season without European football. They are beginning to make headway in finding moves for players beyond Liam Delap. Axel Disasi, 28, has been given permission to travel for a medical with Crystal Palace amid ongoing negotiations over a loan deal. Omari Kellyman and Deivid Washington are nearing moves to Chelsea's partner club Strasbourg, while Benoitt Badiashile has undergone a medical at Napoli. One loan place remains available at Strasbourg, with both Mykhailo Mudryk and Dario Essugo under consideration. However, both players are also attracting interest from Premier League clubs, while defender Mamadou Sarr is also expected to join another Premier League club on loan. Tosin Adarabioyo is attracting interest from Benfica, Marseille and Premier League clubs. Aston Villa are known to be interested in Nicolas Jackson, but that will depend on the future of Ollie Watkins, while there remains some uncertainty over Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto despite their involvement in Xabi Alonso's first-team squad. It also remains unclear where Marc Guiu, David Datro Fofana and Caleb Wiley could end up, with all three available either on loan or as permanent transfers. Young Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez is also expected to be recalled from River Plate and sent on loan elsewhere. Read more here