Chelsea consider 12-man clearout but Romelu Lukaku could stay

Chelsea are planning a mega summer clearout and have made a decision on Romelu Lukaku, according to stunning reports.

The Blues are set to go under a major overhaul for Mauricio Pochettino's first season at the Stamford Bridge outfit.

He was appointed last month, signing a two-year deal with an option to extend for another year.

And he appears set to have a busy transfer window, with reports claiming the West London side are considering cutting ties with a whopping 12 players.

Chelsea recruited heavily in the last two transfer windows, notably snapping up Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk.

In order to balance their books, the club will look to offload a host of players this summer, according to The Daily Mail.

Mateo Kovacic is closing in on a transfer to treble-winners Manchester City, having held positive talks.

N'Golo Kante is on the verge of moving to Saudi Arabia while Mason Mount is wanted by Manchester United, who are believed to be interested in acquiring his services ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Kai Havertz and Conor Gallagher are also thought to be deemed surplus to requirements. Real Madrid are understood to be keeping tabs on the German while Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring the England international.

Not to mention wingers Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech as well as goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nathan Baxter and Ian Maatsen complete the 12-man list.

As for Lukaku, the report states Chelsea will tell the 30-year-old they are happy to work with him next season.

But it's thought that he is expected to say he wants to leave.

Lukaku returned to Chelsea in a transfer worth £97.5 million in 2021. However, his move back to the club hasn't worked out, with the Belgium forward enjoying a loan spell at Inter Milan this season.