Mauricio Pochettino N'Golo Kante Mason Mount ChelseaGetty Images

N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount and why Chelsea's much-needed clear-out is not going as expected

The list of names expected to depart Chelsea this summer is endless, but as the summer transfer window officially opens, there has been little to no indication that any of their hoard of unwanted players is heading for the exit. Meanwhile, players who had been widely considered to be part of the club's long-term plans under incoming head coach Mauricio Pochettino suddenly appear to be near-certainties to move on.

Speculation has been rife about the futures of N'Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic in recent weeks - the majority of whom can be core members of the Chelsea squad when fully fit and available, and they generally all command the respect and affection of the fanbase.

But how has it come to this, and what comes next for Chelsea? GOAL assesses the situation below...

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