Rejuvenated Chelsea defender could be sold to raise funds for player that Blues missed out on

Thomas Tuchel continued his remarkable turnaround at Chelsea on Tuesday, as the Blues began the defence of their Champions League title with victory over Zenit St. Petersburg. 

While Romelu Lukaku continued his impressive return to the club with yet another goal, it was the Blues’ defensive performance that once again stood out.

After keeping 17 clean sheets in Tuchel’s first 21 games in charge, the Premier League side are still one of the most defensively solid sides in Europe, conceding just once so far this season.

Tuchel’s side also managed to concede just four goals during the entirety of last season’s Champions League triumph.

One of the key components of the club’s rejuvenated defence has been Antonio Rudiger, who has been impeccable at the back this term.

The German was impressive once again against Zenit, dealing with the Russian side’s few threatening moments and ensuring yet another clean sheet for Edouard Mendy.

Rudiger has been one of the Blues’ standout performers in the early weeks of the season

Now, it appears that Rudiger could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

According to Football 365, the defender could be sold in order to fund a move for Jules Kounde.

The French defender was heavily linked with a move to the capital during the summer, however a move never materialised.

Former Blues defender Kurt Zouma, who has since departed to West Ham United, was allegedly offered to Sevilla as part of a player-plus-cash deal for Kounde, but the Frenchman rejected the opportunity.

Now, it is believed that Rudiger could be sold, with Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid all rumoured to be interested.

Ruiger is in the final 12 months of his deal with his current employers, and is apparently stalling over Chelsea’s latest offer.

The German international wants a significant wage hike if he is to stay put in West London.

If Rudiger is sold, it could free up both funds and squad space for a move for Kounde.

At present, Tuchel has Rudiger, Trevoh Chalobah, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta available at centre-back.