When asked how the sale of Chelsea was affecting the Blues’ ability to plan for the summer transfer window, Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel stated last week, “We would have certain objectives, and we would have for sure contacted some players and found out about their circumstances.”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“Of course, our options are limited today.” Inside the building, we can still talk, but we can’t act. The circumstances are not great. With a steady situation, it would be difficult enough. We don’t have that, but we strive to demonstrate our dedication and enthusiasm.
“It could be really crucial for me to send this message: I’m dedicated, excited, and enthusiastic about it.” And as soon as we are able to act, we will do so in order to turn things around and transform a deficit into an advantage. I don’t know the answer right now, but we’ll strive to be optimistic.” I also don’t believe a new owner would come in and say, “Here, go crazy, here’s £250 million, spend it.” From our side, we have trust in the individuals who look after it, and we strive to be ready behind the scenes so that if we receive the green light to act, we are prepared and can share our thoughts with the team.”
Once Chelsea’s sale is completed – and there is optimism that the consortium led by Todd Boehly will complete their takeover by the end of this month – the Blues will need to move quickly to avoid falling behind in the transfer market, especially since Tuchel’s squad has several key decisions to make. is on the defense and wing-back positions where urgent attention is required.
When Antonio Rudiger’s contract ends in the summer, he will depart Chelsea. Prior to Abramovich’s suspension, the Blues offered the German international a contract worth more than £200,000 per week to stay. It would have made the 29-year-old the club’s highest-paid defender ever.
However, no deal was made, and Chelsea was unable to talk with Rudiger’s representation once Abramovich was sanctioned. “The club and I did everything,” Tuchel said last month, “but we couldn’t fight any longer because of the scenario.” We would be able to continue fighting even if the sanctions were lifted, but our options are limited. We take nothing personally. It is his choice.
“He is a crucial player who will remain such until the conclusion of the season.” However, it is a disappointment. He will be greatly 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 my best defender. Then we’ll have to come up with another plan.”
Real Madrid will be Rudiger’s final destination. Andreas Christensen, another Chelsea defender, is poised to follow him in La Liga next season. The Dane, like Rudiger, is out of contract this summer. Despite the Blues’ best efforts during the season – twice believing a new deal had been signed – he is ready to leave and join Barcelona.
Chelsea’s centre-back alternatives would be Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, and Malang Sarr if the pair left. However, there is still optimism in Barcelona that a deal for club captain Azpilicueta, who is approaching the conclusion of his eleventh season at Stamford Bridge, may be reached.
Azpilicueta would have been free to go at the conclusion of the season if his contract hadn’t been extended for another year at the end of March. That might still happen, but only with the permission of Chelsea’s new owners and as a token of gratitude for Tuchel’s service.
Chelsea’s defense will be difficult to overhaul, especially with other parts of the game requiring attention. However, it is a situation of need. Despite Levi Colwill’s return from Huddersfield Town following an excellent loan stint, money will have to be spent.
The 19-year-old is expected to get a chance to impress Tuchel during the pre-season. Given the academy graduate’s quality and immense potential, a place in Chelsea’s team for the 2022/23 season is a distinct possibility. It would be unrealistic to expect Colwill to step in as Rudiger’s successor right now.
Jules Kounde remains a goal for the Blues, who will need to recruit at least one centre-back. Chelsea tried to sign the French international last summer but was thwarted when Sevilla refused to budge on their asking price. Kounde’s contract has a £68 million release clause, which may have to be paid this time to entice him away from the La Liga club.
Tuchel would like to bring Marquinhos, who he worked with at Paris Saint-Germain, to Stamford Bridge, according to football.london sources. However, the Chelsea manager recognizes that such a move would be very impossible. If PSG decides to replace its backline this summer, Presnel Kimpembe is seen as a more feasible objective.
football.london recognizes Chelsea has been watching Torino’s Gleison Bremer this season, and as an aggressive centre-back who has played on the left side of a back three this season, the 25-year-old would likely be Rudiger’s successor if an offer is made.
Chelsea had a scout in attendance at Leipzig’s game against Union Berlin at the end of last month, according to Goal. Josko Gvardiol is another name under consideration, according to Goal.
Meanwhile, Niklas Sule and Ronald Araujo were also considered earlier in the season, but the former has signed a pre-contract with Borussia Dortmund while the latter has recently signed a new contract with Barcelona.
That’s the back four. One of Chelsea’s new owners’ first aims for the wing-backs will be to sign Reece James to a long-term deal. As things stand, the academy product has three years left on his contract, but he has already established himself as one of the Premier League’s best performers this season.
Even if Azpilicueta remains, a strong deputy for James is necessary, and Dujon Sterling, who grabbed Tuchel’s attention last summer before traveling out on loan to Blackpool, is set to rejoin the Chelsea team for pre-season and will be given the chance to push his claim.
Ben Chilwell is expected to return from his ACL injury at the start of pre-season on the other wing. Marcos Alonso, as last summer, will be free to leave Chelsea if an acceptable offer is made. Barcelona is said to be interested in signing the 31-year-old.
