The latest on four Chelsea defenders
Chelsea fans are slowly having to come to terms with the fact that the side that won the Champions League only 6 months ago may not be together for much longer.
In the final of that competition, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta all started at the Estadio de Dragao, while Andreas Christensen came on as a substitute for Silva, who was forced off injured. Now, the future of all four is in doubt.
The clearest path forwards surround Rudiger and Silva, with the German centre-back seemingly “certain to go” come the summer transfer window, leaving in his prime on a free transfer.
In better news, Thiago Silva seems certain to stay, and extend his time in west London, as he continues to excel even at the age of 37.
Thiago Silva’s contract extension will be discussed soon with Chelsea board. Tuchel and club super happy with Thiago and he wants to stay in Europe for one more season. ??? #CFC
Thiago’s performing at top level for Chelsea, again and again. He’s amazing. And yes, he’s 37. pic.twitter.com/oaYb96FpPN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 20, 2021
However, talks for the renewals of both Christensen and Azpilicueta have stalled.
In the case of the latter, Barcelona have a long-held interest in bringing Azpilicueta back to Spain and, as per the Athletic:
“Azpilicueta still feels he has a plenty of years playing at the highest level in front of him and wants to feature on a regular basis.”
This is something that hasn’t been afforded to him at Chelsea thus far, having played just 12 times despite being club captain and injury free. So, could he too be on the move?
Will Kounde finally make his way to the Bridge?
It was one of the sagas of the summer, Chelsea’s battle with Sevilla for the signing of Jules Kounde.
In the end, the Blues couldn’t match what Sevilla demanded for their star defender, despite parting ways with Kurt Zouma in order to fund the move, leaving Kounde fed up in Seville.
The emergence of Trevoh Chalobah from the academy has papered over any issues that could have arisen by not signing the Frenchman, but it is unlikely to be a long term answer with so many defenders leaving or on the brink of departure.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring their side’s third goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
As such, the Athletic report that:
“Chelsea are…expected to make another attempt to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla, either in January or the summer, to add even further competition for Azpilicueta at centre-back.”
Could he finally be on his way to Stamford Bridge in 2022?
