Chelsea are set to be busy in the summer transfer window as they aim to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – who are set to join Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively as free agents.
German central defender Rudiger, arguably Chelsea's player of the season, is among a number of high-profile names whose contracts are due to run out at the end of the season. Following the Blues' 1-0 win over London rivals West Ham on Sunday, which Rudiger missed due to groin and hamstring issues, Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the player would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Tuchel told reporters after the late victory over the Hammers: "Toni, the media is on it - his situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk. We gave everything - me and the club - but we could not fight anymore because of the sanctions.
"Without the sanctions, we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision...he is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season. But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot. He gives courage in the dressing room. The kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender in the last one and a half years for me. We then need to find another solution."
There are likely to be several defensive departures from the Blues this summer with Christensen believed to have agreed a switch to Barcelona as a free agent and the future of Cesar Azpiliceuta also uncertain. Rudiger is now tipped to make the switch to the Spanish capital.
Mirror Football have already reported on three candidates who have emerged as targets at Stamford Bridge this summer – we profile them and another central defender who is on the Blues' radar this coming transfer window.
Amos Pieper, Arminia Bielefeld
One of the top targets being assessed by the Blues this summer is Pieper, who has also attracted interest from Southampton, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund as his contract expires this summer. The former Germany Under-21 international, who was also picked for his country’s Olympic squad, could arrive to bolster the numbers in the Blues squad in a low-cost deal.
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Pieper has a relatively low profile due to Bielefeld’s battles against relegation in the Bundesliga but he has impressed visiting scouts from across Europe and would be a smart addition for any side this summer that requires multiple arrivals and greater strength in depth.
Jules Kounde, Sevilla
A long-term transfer target for the Blues, who they attempted to sign last summer but were unable to find an agreement with Sevilla. There is little indication that either side’s negotiating position has changed for this year, but Chelsea are notably in greater need of a central defender.
Kounde has established himself as one of the leading defensive stars in La Liga and is only 23. There have been concerns that his height – 5ft 10in – may limit him in the Premier League, but he is excellent in the air and in developing play from the back. Expect the Blues to sound out a move this summer.
Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain
The PSG captain is another who has been on the radar of the Blues for several years without an official approach, but that may change this summer. Marquinhos is an icon in the French capital but there is set to be massive upheaval at the Parc des Princes this summer with a new manager alongside growing fan discontent at the sporting director Leonardo and club ownership.
That instability may open the door for the Blues to move for Marquinhos, which would set up the possibility of him being reunited with his close friend, international teammate and former PSG defensive partner Thiago Silva.
Gleison Bremer, Torino
A defender who has gone somewhat under the radar in recent seasons, 25-year-old Bremer has established himself as one of the top performing Serie A defenders since joining Torino in 2018.
He matches physical strength with a turn of pace, excellent positional sense and aerial ability – allowing him to be an imposing presence in both boxes. Indeed, he has netted 13 goals since the start of the 2019/20 campaign. Named after the German footballer Andreas Brehme, Bremer is similar in play to legendary Brazilian defender Lucio and any regular watcher of Serie A will be aware that a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs feels increasingly inevitable.
