Thomas Tuchel is reportedly eyeing a summer move for Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao as Chelsea prepare for a defensive exodus.
As things stand, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen will all leave the club at the end of the 2021-22 season, with new agreements yet be reached with any of the trio.
A number of high-profile targets have already been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge, including Jules Kounde, Mattihjs De Ligt and Niklas Sule.
But if Militao signs, he will come with the recommendation of Thiago Silva - somebody who has already agreed to extend his stay in west London into next season.
Spanish outlet AS Sport have reported that Tuchel has asked Chelsea to go out and bring Militao in come the summer, a player who has become a regular fixture in Carlo Ancelotti's side and is currently valued at £54 million by Transfermarkt.
He has made 30 appearances in all competitions as Los Blancos hunt down the La Liga title and the 24-year-old's summer arrival would be an impressive coup for Chelsea.
Back in the summer of 2021, Silva delivered a glowing verdict of his Brazil teammate and backed him to fill the gap left at the Bernabeu by Sergio Ramos' departure.
“I’m sure that he will be one of the core players for Real Madrid from now on, after Sergio Ramos’ departure,” Silva said, as reported by Managing Madrid.
"I told him to keep going because he was completing a very good season. I told him to keep going because that way we will be playing for our national team for many years to come.
"Militao trusts his speed a lot. He’s a very quick guy and sometimes he loses his position a bit because he knows he will track back successfully.
"That’s something I learned when I got to Milan and it’s something I try to tell and teach him.”
