Chelsea struggling to keep all four defenders as they plot deals for Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger and Silva
THOMAS TUCHEL reportedly wants to keep all four of Chelsea’s out-of-contract defenders this summer.
But the Blues boss could struggle to tie two down to new deals.
The quartet have been in top form since the German took charge at the start of the year, helping him lead Chelsea to Champions League glory last term.
However, all four players could end up leaving on free transfers in 2022 with just six months left on their respective deals.
Chelsea are now working frantically to secure new contracts for their centre-backs, with veteran pair Azpilicueta and Silva’s extensions expected to be a formality.
However, the futures of Christensen and Rudiger are more complicated.
Chelsea have failed to give Christensen the numbers he wants after becoming an important fixture in the team.
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But it’s believed talks are starting to gather pace again as they look to keep their academy product in London.
Meanwhile, Rudiger is also yet to receive a satisfactory offer from Chelsea and is ready to listen to other clubs in January.
His is the most difficult deal to sort out due to interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
But Tuchel remains hopeful all four defenders will stay put as Chelsea mount a Premier League title bid while looking to retain their Champions of Europe status.
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