Almost a year ago, Chelsea would not bat an eyelid before sanctioning the release of Antonio Rudiger if he had pressed the matter of which himself and the club are yet to reach an agreement.
Chelsea defender, Antonio Rudiger. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
The 28year old German is in talks with the club over a new agreement on his current contract which runs out at the end of the current season but are yet to finalize an agreement with him.
Reports suggests Rudiger, who is reported to be currently on £130,000-per-week wants his wage increased to £200,000 while Chelsea are offering £140,000 as the likes of PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich remain alerted to the situation.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the future of the German, we take a look at the possible options Chelsea could look to, to succeed the former Roma man.
5. Trevoh Chalobah
The 22year old came through the rank at the Chelsea’s famous Academy and after impressing while on loan at Lorient last season, the player return to the club this season and has been integrated into the first team.
So far in his four starts in the Premier league this season, he has been very impressive and Chelsea have kept three clean sheets in those games, while Chalobah himself has gotten on the score sheet twice.
It might be too early to think that the player is a ready-made successor for Rudiger but given time and commitment, he could maybe do even better.
The lessons thought and the experience gathered from playing over 100 league games in the Championship and the French league over three seasons have also helped his development and transition, which would get better under the tutelage of Tuchel.
Calm on the ball and composed when defending, young and moreso breed of the Chelsea way, Chalobah is already making his mark with the Chelsea first and will relish the opportunity if given on a long term.
4. Jules Kounde
Almost earned his big move to Chelsea last summer but that fell through in the last minute after Chelsea and Sevilla could not reach an agreement on the transfer fee.
Antonio Rudiger moving away could mean the club reignite their interest in the Frenchman and could be willing to this time pay Sevilla’s asking price.
Identified by Thomas Tuchel, Kounde’s versatility and defensive prowess has seen him linked with move to top teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City. Into his third season in the Spanish league, he is already regarded as one of the best in Europe.
Helped Sevilla to the Europe league title in 2019-20 and named in the squad of the season. Formerly tipped to succeed Sergio Ramos in Madrid, he could be moving to London instead at the end of the season.
3. Kurt Zouma
No question about this choice. Kurt Zouma’s move to West Ham United last summer came as a shock to many, despite Chelsea not being able to land his proposed replacement, Jules Kounde.
Similar to Rudiger and a player who was a part of the Chelsea defence, Zouma needs no lesson on how to get on at Chelsea. A product of the Chelsea Academy and has present the top at top level, making over 150 appearances.
A return of a player that left last summer could be possible if Rudiger leaves, and the reunion will be much welcomed by Chelsea faithfuls as the player has made good name for himself before leaving.
So far he has settled well into life at West Ham United and if contacted over a return to Chelsea, no question if he will be willing to take up the challenge. Once a Blue, always a Blue.
2. Pau Torres
The 24year old is one of the hottest defender in Europe right now and many top teams will relish having him as one of the defenders in their rank.
His speed, passing and ball retention makes him a good fit for a team building from the back. Despite his height, Torres’ athletic body makes him faster in comparison to other tall players. His height also makes him a real threat in aerial situations.
Just like Rudiger, he does not mind carrying the ball upfield if he has space in front of him. His technical ability is above-average of a centre-back, he likes progressing the ball to attract opponents to him, then explore his passing prowess to find his teammates in promising positions.
His awareness is also another asset for his sides. Doing the same for Spain and Villarreal, his reputation is fast growing and he would be a great signing for Chelsea, giving his young age and abilities.
1. James Tarkowski
The Englishman is into his sixth season with Burnley in the Premier league since joining from Brentford. He has been an ever present and a consistent performer for the side, helping them to 15 clean sheets in the league in the 2019-20 season.
Aside his calmness on the ball, the 28year old is also a good ball playing centre back, which is a quality he shares with the current Chelsea man, Rudiger.
His height make his a threat aerially at both ends of the pitch. He also uses his physicality to bully attackers hence good in one on one situations. The rate of his successful tackles are quite impressive over the years in the top-flight.
Tarkowski is one of the few brilliant but overlooked center back of his time. He has been linked with a move to Chelsea among other big clubs in the topflight but it has never materialize. A move to Chelsea will be win win for himself and the club.
If Rudiger did get to move on from Chelsea, there are not much better option to succeed the Champions League winner than the Burnley defender, who will add not only his brilliance but also experience to the Chelsea backline.
Any of these five, either existing or new signing will surely be good addition to the club’s centre back and prove long term replacement even for the likes of the aging Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
