OFFICIAL: Chelsea announce first team departure

Chelsea have confirmed the departure of a first team player as new coach Enzo Maresca aims to trim the squad.

The Blues have brought in nine new players over the last two months and they are reportedly not done yet.

As a result, the club have decided to loan midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu to newly-promoted Southampton for the season.

Read: OFFICIAL: Another star leaves Man City!

"I feel very happy. Southampton has a great history. A lot of great players came over here and played for Southampton, so I'm very happy to be part of the team now." Ugochukwu told the club's official website.

"It was a very easy decision. They just came back to Premier League. When I heard Southampton, when I spoke to the gaffer as well, I said, 'I have to come here.'

"I'm just here to work hard and give everything for the fans and for myself as well."

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