Thomas Tuchel will be hoping his Chelsea side can respond to their Champions League quarter-final exit in midweek when they face Crystal Palace on Sunday. With the semi-final this weekend set to take place at Wembley, the Eagles are all that stand in the way of the Blues reaching another cup final this season.
The game also remains the only feasible piece of silverware left on the table for Tuchel and his men this season, with the league title seeming too far away at this stage. Discussing the challenge of Palace this weekend, the head coach said at his pre-match press conference: “For us and for them, it is a huge opportunity to play at Wembley.
“We need to be very well prepared to control the counter-attacks, the individual quality, the dribbles and play with the same level of intensity.” In the back of his mind though, will undoubtedly be about how his side can strengthen in the transfer window ahead of next season.
READ MORE: Every word Thomas Tuchel said on Chelsea takeover, FA Cup, Conor Gallagher Marc Guehi, team news
With all that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Chelsea transfer rumours.
Three clubs line up for Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is one of three centre-backs that could leave the club this summer as a free agent. The 29-year-old has been a stalwart at the back for Tuchel since his arrival, often playing a dominant role in a back three.
However, with his contract up, the Blues face a fight to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future. And now, Sport reports that PSG, Manchester United and Tottenham are all battling for his signature.
All three sides have been previously linked with a move for the Germany international, though it is said that Antonio Conte has met with Rudiger over a potential switch to their London rivals.
Aurelien Tchouameni blow
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchoumeni in the summer, with the youngster viewed as an option to freshen up the midfield ranks. However, ESPN reports that Manchester United have joined the race to sign the France international.
The 22-year-old is said to be of interest to Erik ten Hag, who is said to be close to joining the Red Devils in the summer as their new manager. It remains to be seen whether this will impact Chelsea’s transfer plans, but it remains a huge blow if they wanted to land him uncontested.
Jorginho’s Juventus contract demands
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is another that has his future up in the air, with his deal expiring in 2023. However, Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia, reports that the representatives of the Italy international have held talks with Juventus over a potential move.
The 30-year-old is said to have requested a €7million (£5.8million)-a-year salary in Turin, the same amount as striker Dusan Vlahovic. Whether he stays at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen, but there is time before his contract expires.
