Chelsea will be active in the summer transfer season as they look to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who are both free agents and poised to join Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.
Rudiger, probably Chelsea's best player this season, is one of a handful of high-profile players whose contracts are set to expire at the conclusion of the season. Following the Blues' 1-0 win against London rivals West Ham on Sunday, Thomas Tuchel stated that Rudiger will be departing the club at the end of the season due to groin and hamstring concerns.
Tuchel told reporters following the Hammers' late victory: "Toni, the media is all over it because he wants to leave the club. In a private conversation, he informed me of this. We offered all we had - both myself and the club - but due to the sanctions, we were no longer able to fight.
"We would be able to continue fighting even if the sanctions were lifted, but our options are limited. We don't consider it as a personal attack. It's his choice...a he's crucial player who will remain such until the conclusion of the season. However, it is a disappointment. He will be sorely missed. In the dressing room, he inspires confidence. The sort that everyone fears, but the kind that can play 50-55 games at a high level. In the last year and a half, he has been a good defender for me. Then we'll have to come up with another plan."
The Blues are expected to lose numerous defensive players this summer, with Christensen reportedly agreeing to join Barcelona as a free agent and Cesar Azpiliceuta's future also questionable. Rudiger is expected to go to Madrid in the near future.
Three individuals who have surfaced as targets at Stamford Bridge this summer have previously been revealed by Mirror Football - we profile them, as well as another central defender who is on the Blues' radar this coming transfer window.
POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT ARE;
* Amos Pieper from Arminia Bielefeld
* Sevilla's Jules Kounde
* PSG's Marquinhos
* Torino's Gleison Bremer