With Rudiger yet to commit to a new deal, and concerns for Christensen's future, Chelsea are looking to bring in other defenders.
Chelsea are in top form as they sit top of the Premier League log. Their fine form followed the arrival of Thomas Tuchel that saw them winning the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup. On Tuesday, they advanced to the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.
The club boosted its ranks in the summer with the arrival of Romelu Lukaku and Saul Niguez. Tuchel has been able to build a strong unit that plays with confidence and looks well motivated.
The squad looks happy as Tuchel has rotated well, giving every player to shine. Players like Ruben Loftus Cheek, Chalobah and Sarr have had opportunities to shine. With the squad looking happy, all does not look as it shows.
There are concerns over the future of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, which the club wants to resolve.
Chelsea back for Kounde and De Light
Once again, the rumour mill is in overdrive, and Chelsea are at the centre of it all. Chelsea are mulling over the thought of bringing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde to North London.
The North London club are keen to get the French defender, who they pursued in the summer. Efforts to land the centre-back were fruitless as the Blues failed to meet Sevilla's £67 million asking price.
Kounde has continued to grow in strides as he has been a big feature in Sevilla's season so far with nine appearances. He was also prominent as France went on to win the Nations League trophy with wins over Belgium and Spain.
Another name on Chelsea’s radar is Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt. According to Eurosport, the Dutchman is on the shortlist of wanted defenders at Chelsea. He is currently enjoying an underwhelming season as he is behind Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in the pecking order at Juventus.
His current position at Juventus puts his future in doubt, even with a contract that runs till 2024. With advances from Chelsea, De Ligt has received advice from Chiellini to rebuff Chelsea and remain in Turin.
Another name that popped up in discussions for a new defender is Villarreal's Pau Torres.
Rudiger and Christensen Chelsea futures in doubt
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have put Chelsea under pressure with their contract situations at the club.
The defensive duo may leave for free at the end of the season as they come to the end of their contracts. Negotiations are still going.
Rudiger was integral to Chelsea's Champions League campaign last season. The club wants to keep the duo for longer, but with interest from abroad, especially Real Madrid for Rudiger, the players might want to test new waters.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
