Chelsea target AC Milan captain as replacement for Rudiger and Christensen

Chelsea’s backline could look very different on the opening day of next season, with as many as four of the club’s senior defenders all set to leave the club this summer. 

Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s contracts are both set to expire at the end of the season, and the two players are reported to have already agreed deals elsewhere.

The Dane is believed to have agreed terms with Spanish giants Barcelona, while Rudiger looks likely to join Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid upon the expiry of his deal at Stamford Bridge.

Marcos Alonso is another player that could depart, with Barcelona reportedly keen on signing the Spaniard, as well as teammate Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Blues captain had a 12-month extension triggered earlier this year, but recent rumours have suggested that he may still join Barcelona this summer.

It appears, though, that Thomas Tuchel has wasted no time in finding replacements for his outgoing defenders, with AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli top of his list of targets.

Romagnoli looks set to leave Milan this summer

As per Mundo Deportivo, the Italian centre-back has emerged as a priority for the Blues this summer, although they will have to fend off interest from a number of other top European clubs, including Bayern Munich.

Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the 27-year-old, who has played more than 250 times for the Italian side.

Romagnoli’s deal with current Serie A leaders Milan is set to expire at the end of the season, and Tuchel therefore believes that he could be a useful signing as a free transfer.

The Italian’s season has been plagued by injuries, and he has started just 16 top flight games this term and hasn’t featured since February.

Former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori has also established himself as a regular at centre-back for Milan, ahead of Romagnoli.

Milan can wrap up the league title this weekend with victory over Sassuolo.