Chelsea's potential loss of Antonio Rudiger could be softened by the signing of Jules Kounde from Sevilla - with reports stating the Blues are 'convinced' a move for the Frenchman can be completed this summer.
Antonio Rudiger could join another side with just four months left on his contract (Image: GETTY)
The report mentions that Chelsea tried to sign Kounde in the summer with the knowledge that they have a multitude of centre-backs out of contract this coming summer.
Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are supposedly somewhat reluctant to renew their contracts with the Blues with just four months left on their deals, and Cesar Azpilicueta's deal is also expiring.
There had been reports that Rudiger and Christensen have held talks with other clubs, knowing they could secure a huge signing-on fee as a result of moving without the need for a transfer fee.
And therefore, a bid for Kounde is likely to be revisited by Chelsea in the summer with the club 'convinced they will not fail'.
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Marca also state that Chelsea 'believe Kounde will have a change of scenery' in the summer and are willing to pay the fee required for his services.
They state an agreement was very close in the last summer window however it appears that even though that switch didn't materialise, the interest should be revisited later this year.
If all three of Chelsea's out of contract defenders leave in the summer, they will be left with only Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr as senior centre-half options.
And more reinforcements will be needed if Thomas Tuchel is to oversee a title challenge at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel will likely make a move for Jules Kounde (Image: GETTY)
The Chelsea manager has made his intentions on the Rudiger situation clear, although the Germany defensive star has put the ball in Chelsea's court to make him stay at the club.
“I feel great here, I have always said it," he told The Athletic.
"I think the way I play you can see that I’m happy here. But there are also other people who have to make decisions.”