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#3 Cesar Azipilicueta
Since moving to Chelsea ahead of the 2012-13 season, Cesar Azpilicueta has been a constant in the team. The captain has always led his side with composed ferocity, never doing anything to hurt his team’s ambitions.
He has been a model citizen off the pitch as well, distancing himself from unsettling controversies and rumors. Yet, despite all he brings to the table, Tuchel’s side have reportedly been denying him the security he craves.
Currently in his 10th season at the club, the right-back will be out of contract in June. The Blues are more than happy to give him a one-year extension, but that is not enough for the 32-year-old.
Azpilicueta allegedly wants the security of a two-year contract but has hit a brick wall in his pursuit. La Liga giants Barcelona are reportedly prepared to meet his demands in order to sign him as a free agent in the summer.
At Stamford bridge, the former Marseille man has celebrated two Premier League titles, one Champions League and one Europa League amongst other honors.
#2 Timo Werner
In the summer of 2020, Chelsea splashed €53 million to acquire Timo Werner’s services from RB Leipzig. Over the last one-and-a-half seasons, the German international has tried his best to prove his worth but has failed miserably.
While on song, Werner can do a lot of damage, but his purple patches have been few and far between so far. The 25-year-old has featured in 11 Premier League games so far this season, registering only a single goal.
His lackluster return has reduced him to a benchwarmer and the club are unlikely to keep him on their payroll for long.
We won’t be surprised if the former Leipzig man finds a new suitor in the upcoming summer transfer window.
#1 Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. The German defender fits Thomas Tuchel’s system like a glove and goes above and beyond to fulfill his coach’s demands.
Considering the relationship between the club and the player, there is no reason why he is on the verge of leaving. Yet, if nothing changes, Rudiger will walk away from Stamford Bridge as a free agent at the end of the season.
The defender, who joined the club in 2017, is reportedly unhappy with his current contract and is looking for a significant pay bump. He is currently earning £130,000-a-week at the Bridge but wants no less than £200,000-a-week to extend his stay.
Considering what he brings to the table, we believe his demands are in line with industry standards. Chelsea are yet to meet his wage demands, but would be wise to do so as soon as possible.
