Chelsea linked with Spanish rock as defender exodus gets closer

Thomas Tuchel cut a frustrated and bemused figure on the sidelines in Turin. 

Chelsea fell to their second consecutive defeat, as Italian giants Juventus edged them 1-0 in a very tight affair at the Allianz Arena in Italy.

Federico Chiesa’s strike barely 10 seconds into the second-half was enough to secure the points for Massimiliano Allegri’s dogged and determined men.

The Blues enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but in spite of a Romelu Lukaku pot-shot and a free header for Kai Havertz, the Blues barely threatened the Bianconeri’s goals.

It as a disappointingly flat performance from the defending European champions, who also lost their most recent Premier League match against Manchester City by the same scoreline.

However, it appears Chelsea are still planning for reinforcements next summer as 90min.com report Villarreal defender Pau Torres has emerged as a potential target for the Blues.

Pau Torres’ stock has grown after strong performances for Villarreal and the Spain national team.

The West Londoners have a potentially alarming situation next summer, as club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, and Andreas Christensen could all leave when their contracts expire next season.

And having sold central defenders Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori, and Marc Guehi this summer, Chelsea suddenly look very short of defenders ahead of next summer, unless new contracts can be agreed with the aforementioned.

But with contract talks and negotiations still up in the air, Chelsea are reportedly considering their options and Torres could fit the bill.

He was a crucial part of Unai Emery’s side’s triumphant Europa League campaign last season, and he also impressed against the Blues in this summer’s UEFA Super Cup match.

The 24-year-old Spaniard has a buy-out clause of around £56m, and with the classy defender contracted to the club until 2024, Villarreal can command the full fee to sell him.

Another expensive summer could well be on the horizon for Chelsea.