Chelsea were seemingly forced to cut out departing stars Kai Havertz and Cesar Azpilicueta from their kit launch pictures on Monday, a leaked image on social media shows.
The Blues unveiled their new '90s-inspired' home jersey ahead of the 2023-24 season, showcasing several Chelsea stars such as Raheem Sterling and Reece James in the new-look kit.
Former Chelsea players Dennis Wise and Roberto Di Matteo were also pictured sporting the new jersey, which has been unveiled without a front-of-shirt sponsor.
Mail Sport exclusively reported that Chelsea had failed to attract an appropriate commercial partner ahead of the new season, becoming the first ever 'Big Six club' to omit a sponsor from the front of their shirt upon launch.
Unveiling the new kit, which is unavailable to purchase until the start of the new season, Chelsea said: 'Fans should be aware that the 2023/24 home kit that features on pitch may subsequently feature a front-of-shirt partner. The club will communicate any changes to the kit in due course.
'Blues fans can purchase the new kit from 16th August online or via the Megastore at Stamford Bridge.'
A leaked image on social media appears to show Arsenal's new £65million signing Havertz and Azpilicueta - who has joined Atletico Madrid this summer - in the kit launch photoshoot.
Havertz completed his switch to the Emirates on June 28, 12 days before Chelsea unveiled the new kit on social media.
According to the leaked image, former Blues captain Azpilicueta seemed to be centrepiece of the photoshoot, standing alongside old team-mates Enzo Fernandez and Trevoh Chalobah, while Havertz sat on the edge of an armchair next to Wise.
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Some eagle-eyed fans have speculated that Chalobah, who like Havertz and Azpilicueta has been omitted from the official kit launch images on Chelsea's website, could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge this summer as a result.
Nevertheless, a picture of Chalobah wearing the new kit has been shared by Chelsea on their Instagram page.
Chelsea's agreement with telecoms giants Three - which saw them earn £40million-a-year - expired at the end of last season.
Reports now suggest that the club should expect less in a new agreement, nearer the £25m-a-year mark.
The Blues had seemingly twice identified a partner with Paramount+ and betting company Stake both linked.
However, a deal with the former was blocked by the Premier League as it was thought to potentially upset TV rights holders for the division.
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