Boehly ‘will be desperate’ to strengthen key area at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea “will be desperate” to add defenders to their squad in the summer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Thomas Tuchel has already lost Antonio Rudiger, while some of his other defenders could follow him out of the exit door.

What’s the latest news involving Chelsea?

Despite winning five trophies in his five years in west London, the Blues were unable to convince Rudiger to sign a new contract this summer, which allowed him to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

The Germany international has arguably been Chelsea’s best defender under Tuchel’s guidance, meaning he’ll have to be replaced, although the Club World Cup winners also have concerns over the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.

Christensen is set to become a free agent once his contract expires later this month, while the Spain international has just 12 months remaining until his deal runs out after recently activating a one-year performance-related extension.

Both players have been heavily linked with Barcelona, with Azpilicueta, who’s won everything at Chelsea, ‘keen‘ on moving to the Nou Camp, with Tuchel recently admitting that it might be the ‘end of his cycle’ at the club.

Meanwhile, reports in Spain believe Christensen has agreed a five-year deal with the La Liga giants, with the Dane edging ever closer to the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

And with Tuchel facing the prospect of losing three centre-backs in the same window, O’Rourke reckons the German will be “desperate” to replace them.

What did O’Rourke say about Chelsea?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Chelsea will be desperate to try and bring in some defensive reinforcements after losing a number of key defenders in the transfer window themselves.”

Ousmane Dembele WILL WIN BALLON D’OR at Chelsea! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

Who could Chelsea sign?

The obvious name on Tuchel’s list will be Sevilla’s Jules Kounde. The Frenchman was on the verge of signing for Chelsea last summer before his move collapsed, meaning he’s almost certainly a name Todd Boehly will revisit.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT believe the Londoners are also interested in signing Juventus ace Matthijs de Ligt, who made the switch to Italian football in 2019 for £67.5m.

Chelsea have also been linked with Torino’s Gleison Bremer, who has plenty of Premier League interest and would cost around £40m, while they’re also monitoring Paul Torres, who’s wanted by both Manchester United and Tottenham.

News Now – Sport News