Chelsea could revisit summer transfer target as Tuchel looks to replace Rudiger

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will leave the club at the end of the season, with boss Thomas Tuchel having confirmed the news. 

The defender was rumoured to have decided upon his future last week, and Tuchel confirmed the news in his post-match press conference following his side’s 1-0 victory over West Ham.

Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this is in a private talk. We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of the actions,” he told Sky Sports.

“Without the sanctions, we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don’t take it personally. It is his decision.”

Tuchel also looks set to lose Andreas Christensen, with the Danish defender having reportedly agreed to join Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season.

With that in mind, it appears that Tuchel is already eyeing defensive reinforcements ahead of next season.

As per Football London, the Blues may once again revisit the prospect of signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

Kounde has been heavily linked with Chelsea over the past 12 months

The Frenchman was a target for the club last summer, but Chelsea failed to agree a deal with the La Liga side and the defender remained in Spain.

Tuchel has also confirmed the club’s interest in the player, who is believed to have been made available for £50 million.

Kounde has been one of the Spanish top flight’s most impressive defenders over the past two years, and a number of other top European clubs have been linked with the France international.

His next appearance will be his fortieth of the season for his club, something that could therefore make him a suitable candidate to replace Rudiger, who has made 47 appearances for the Blues across all competitions this term.

The Sevilla player has two years remaining on his contract and, having paid just £22.5 million to sign him from Bordeaux in 2019, the Spanish side look well placed to make a profit on the 23-year-old.