Chelsea have been linked with a summer transfer move for Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella. But although his favoured position is out wide, his experience at centre-back means he could be used as a surprise replacement for Antonio Rudiger at Stamford Bridge too.
Rudiger reportedly completed his move to Real Madrid on Tuesday afternoon and is due to join Carlo Ancelotti's side at the end of the season with an announcement expected after the Champions League final. Chelsea had been negotiating a new contract with the German but sanctions placed against Roman Abramovich and the subsequent special licence the club have been working under meant discussions were halted.
A number of prominent centre-backs have since been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since as Thomas Tuchel prepares for a defensive rebuild. These include Sevilla's Jules Kounde and Juventus ace Matthijs De Ligt but a surprising alternative could be emerging in the form of Cucurella.
