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Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger may not be at Stamford Bridge next season. The German’s current contract with the Blues runs out at the end of the 2021-22 campaign and he is yet to sign an extension.
Rudiger has been serving the west London outfit diligently since his arrival from Roma in 2017. The German international has helped the club to the Champions League, the Europa League and the FA Cup amongst other honors and remains a regular under Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea are eager to keep the 28-year-old in London, but have seen a couple of their offers shot down.
The likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in the player and are offering lucrative packages to sway the player in their direction. If they or any other European heavyweight is successful in signing the centre-back as a free agent, the reigning European champions will need a replacement.
Today, we will take a quick look at five players who could fill in for Rudiger if he decides to leave for greener pastures:
#5 Pau Torres – Villarreal
La Liga star Pau Torres has made quite a name for himself over the last couple of seasons. The Spaniard has consistently performed for Villarreal and is drawing attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe as a result.
Premier League giants Chelsea are reportedly keeping a close eye on Torres and could make a move for him if Rudiger does not renew.
Torres, a left-footed centre-back, is calm and collected on the ball and can carry it effortlessly if needed. He can also deliver pinpoint long balls from deep and is known to catch the opposition out with his deliveries.
Barcelona are also believed to be interested in the Spaniard’s services, meaning Chelsea could have to spend quite a bit to get him.
#4 Eder Militao – Real Madrid
Since his move from Porto in 2019, Eder Militao has been a star performer for Real Madrid. Following the departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane last summer, the Brazilian has come on his own and has been leading the side by example.
Tuchel’s Chelsea have reportedly been left impressed by the player and want to bring him to Stamford Bridge if Rudiger departs.
The Londoners allegedly offered Real Madrid £34million for Militao ahead of the winter transfer window, but Los Blancos turned them down.
If Madrid’s stance change next summer, possibly with a big offer from Chelsea, we could very well see the 24-year-old at the Bridge next summer.
#3 Matthijs de Ligt – Juventus
In the Roman Abramovich era, Champions League holders Chelsea have always gone after the best. They have curated their wishlist to the best of their abilities, and have pounced on the players they find suitable.
If Antonio Rudiger ends up leaving the club in the summer, the Blues could go behind a big name, someone who would impress every on-looker.
Strong, intimidating and committed, Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt could be the ideal man to fill in for Rudiger at Chelsea. The Dutchman is currently struggling at Juventus and might look for a way out of Turin.
The Bianconeri are reportedly preparing to cut ties with the 22-year-old to buy more attacking talents. If the Old Lady are indeed interested in selling him, the Blues would be wise to move for him.
De Ligt’s leadership skills have been well documented from his Ajax days and he could potentially lead the London outfit for over a decade.
#2 Adam Webster – Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Adam Webster has put in some excellent performances in the Premier League this season. The centre-back has not only impressed with his composure at the back, but has also shown a knack for carrying the ball up the pitch.
Additionally, Webster’s proven his knack for going for the spectacular, scoring an impressive goal in a 1-1 draw with the Blues in the Premier League.
Webster, who could get a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England side for his performances this season, may very well be just what Chelsea need. Unlike the other four centre-backs on this list, a move for Webster will not burn a hole in the Blues’ pocket.
The player is currently valued at €18million, which makes the transfer a lucrative one for Tuchel’s side.
#1 Jules Kounde – Sevilla
Finally, we have Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, who has been linked with the Blues numerous times over the last year. Even before Rudiger’s contract renewal was a pressing issue, the west Londoners expressed their desire to sign the Frenchman.
It was reported last summer that Chelsea and Sevilla were close to finalizing a £43million-transfer for the player, but the move eventually fell through due to a dispute.
Sevilla allegedly bumped up the defender’s asking price right at the end, which compelled Chelsea to pull the plug. If Rudiger does depart next summer, the Stamford Bridge outfit will be desperate to bring in a replacement, no matter the cost.
Sevilla’s Kounde, who regularly produces top-drawer displays in La Liga, could then emerge as the perfect option for the glory-hungry English side.
