Chelsea are set to be busy in the summertime switch window as they intention to exchange Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – who’re set to affix Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively as free brokers.
German central defender Rudiger, arguably Chelsea’s participant of the season, is amongst a variety of high-profile names whose contracts are as a consequence of run out on the finish of the season. Following the Blues’ 1-0 win over London rivals West Ham on Sunday, which Rudiger missed as a consequence of groin and hamstring points, Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the player would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Tuchel advised reporters after the late victory over the Hammers: “Toni, the media is on it – his scenario is that he needs to depart the membership. He knowledgeable me of this in a personal discuss. We gave all the things – me and the membership – however we couldn’t struggle anymore due to the sanctions.
“With out the sanctions, we might a minimum of be capable of stick with it combating, however our fingers are tied. We do not take it personally. It’s his determination…he’s a key determine and can keep that approach till the tip of the season. However it’s disappointing. We’ll miss him rather a lot. He offers braveness within the dressing room. The sort everyone seems to be afraid of, however the sort to play 50-55 video games at an impressive degree. He’s a prime defender within the final one and a half years for me. We then want to seek out one other resolution.”
There are more likely to be a number of defensive departures from the Blues this summer season with Christensen believed to have agreed a swap to Barcelona as a free agent and the way forward for Cesar Azpiliceuta additionally unsure. Rudiger is now tipped to make the swap to the Spanish capital.
Mirror Football have already reported on three candidates who’ve emerged as targets at Stamford Bridge this summer season – we profile them and one other central defender who’s on the Blues’ radar this coming switch window.
Amos Pieper, Arminia Bielefeld
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Harry Langer/DeFodi Pictures by way of Getty Pictures)
One of many prime targets being assessed by the Blues this summer season is Pieper, who has additionally attracted curiosity from Southampton, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund as his contract expires this summer season. The previous Germany Below-21 worldwide, who was additionally picked for his nation’s Olympic squad, may arrive to bolster the numbers within the Blues squad in a low-cost deal.
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Pieper has a comparatively low profile as a consequence of Bielefeld’s battles towards relegation within the Bundesliga however he has impressed visiting scouts from throughout Europe and could be a sensible addition for any facet this summer season that requires a number of arrivals and better power in depth.
Jules Kounde, Sevilla
An extended-term switch goal for the Blues, who they tried to signal final summer season however have been unable to seek out an settlement with Sevilla. There may be little indication that both facet’s negotiating place has modified for this yr, however Chelsea are notably in better want of a central defender.
Kounde has established himself as one of many main defensive stars in La Liga and is barely 23. There have been considerations that his peak – 5ft 10in – could restrict him within the Premier League, however he’s wonderful within the air and in growing play from the again. Count on the Blues to sound out a transfer this summer season.
Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain
The PSG captain is one other who has been on the radar of the Blues for a number of years with out an official strategy, however which will change this summer season. Marquinhos is an icon within the French capital however there may be set to be large upheaval on the Parc des Princes this summer season with a brand new supervisor alongside rising fan discontent on the sporting director Leonardo and membership possession.
That instability could open the door for the Blues to maneuver for Marquinhos, which might arrange the potential of him being reunited along with his shut good friend, worldwide teammate and former PSG defensive companion Thiago Silva.
Gleison Bremer, Torino
A defender who has gone considerably below the radar in current seasons, 25-year-old Bremer has established himself as one of many prime performing Serie A defenders since becoming a member of Torino in 2018.
He matches bodily power with a flip of tempo, wonderful positional sense and aerial capability – permitting him to be an imposing presence in each containers. Certainly, he has netted 13 objectives for the reason that begin of the 2019/20 marketing campaign. Named after the German footballer Andreas Brehme, Bremer is analogous in play to legendary Brazilian defender Lucio and any common watcher of Serie A might be conscious {that a} transfer to certainly one of Europe’s elite golf equipment feels more and more inevitable.
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