Chelsea are going into a transfer window with less scrutiny on their deals expected than ever under their current ownership. After appointing Enzo Maresca and completing a number of smart signings, life is much better at Stamford Bridge.

Seventeen games in the 2024/25 season and the Blues are second in the Premier League table, four points behind league leaders Liverpool. After a difficult previous two seasons, Chelsea have only lost two league games this term and Maresca's squad have been firing.

However, with the January transfer window opening soon, there's an opportunity for some business to be concluded. There isn't much needed to improve the current set of players, in terms of incomings, so it's expected to be quiet.

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But with some players potentially keen for a move away from West London, the club face dealing with unsettled players. Loan exits are likely to be favoured for many but there may be scope to raise some money via the sale of players.

So, with that in mind, we take a look at six players who Chelsea could look to sell in January.

Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku has enjoyed himself this season after having his debut year in England hampered with injury. In 25 games, the France international has scored 12 times and assisted four, with eight contributions coming in five Conference League games.

However, Maresca has preferred Nicolas Jackson in the Premier League and that's led to Nkunku being the subject of possible exit talk in January. Manchester United have been listed as a possible temporary destination but Napoli and Barcelona are two sides showing interest now.

Napoli Calcio Live claim Antonio Conte is planning another raid on Chelsea after signing Romelu Lukaku by bringing Nkunku to Italy on loan. Another outelt, Diario Sport, has suggested Nkunku's agent, Pini Zahavi, has good relations with the Spanish side and an adjustment in his salary would be welcomed to move to Barca.

A permanent move is incredibly unlikely for Nkunku given his importance to Maresca. But if first team minutes is what he wants, a temporary exit could be on the cards.

Ben Chilwell

One player who hasn't played under Maresca, apart from his cameo against Barrow earlier in the season, is Chilwell. Despite being a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge, the left-back has watched his teammate impress from the sidelines.

Maresca has confirmed the former Leicester City man is likely to be one of the first players to leave in January. At 27, he still has the quality to improve most teams in the Premier League. Manchester United are desperate for a new left-back while there have been whispers about a possible return to Leicester.

Leaving the Blues permanently would be the best-case scenario for Chilwell. With the World Cup in 2026, under Thomas Tuchel, around the corner, the defender will be desperate to get his career back on track.

Axel Disasi

Like Nkunku, Disasi has featured quite often for Chelsea this season but he is far from first-choice. The French defender has played 14 times this campaign but has started just three Premier League games.

He started, and scored, in the 5-1 win over Southampton before coming into the defence against Everton last weekend. Yet with Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill the clear favourite, interest is growing.

Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus have both been linked with Disasi. He is under contract until 2029 meaning only a convincing bid would be enough to force Chelsea to part ways. The problem lies in the options left at Stamford Bridge, should he depart.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

A difficult one as he only joined the club in the summer. Dewsbury-Hall's minutes have largely come in cup competitions and has rarely featured in the Premier League.

His move from Leicester hasn't gone how he wanted and various reports have linked the midfielder with a loan switch. Like Disasi, he's on a big contract in the capital so the best avenue for Chelsea is likely to be a loan followed by a permanent in an attempt to recoup close to the £30million they spent.

Leicester have been linked with a reunion with Dewsbury-Hall while Aston Villa is another option. The best outcome for all parties would be a deal that gets the midfielder on the pitch.

Cesare Casadei

Another midfielder who is likely to leave on loan is Casadei. The Italian hasn't featured often under Maresca and there are now a number of Serie A sides locking horns for his services.

Lazio have been credited with interest but Monza have reignited their keenness to bring the youngster to the U-Power Stadium. Regular minutes in Salvatore Bocchetti side could tempt Casadei to move on next month.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Finally, Chukwuemeka will be as desperate as any Chelsea player to move on in January. Like Chilwell, Maresca has revealed how the midfielder will want to leave the club after only playing five games this season.

After joining from Aston Villa in the early days of Clearlake Capital's ownership, Chukwuemeka still has acres of potential to grow into. Cashing in on him wouldn't be the worst thing, for all parties, but they may struggle to recoup anywhere close to the £20m they paid for him nearly three years ago.