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#3 Matthijs de Ligt – Juventus
In the Roman Abramovich era, Champions League holders Chelsea have always gone after the best. They have curated their wishlist to the best of their abilities, and have pounced on the players they find suitable.
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If Antonio Rudiger ends up leaving the club in the summer, the Blues could go behind a big name, someone who would impress every on-looker.
Strong, intimidating and committed, Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt could be the ideal man to fill in for Rudiger at Chelsea. The Dutchman is currently struggling at Juventus and might look for a way out of Turin.
The Bianconeri are reportedly preparing to cut ties with the 22-year-old to buy more attacking talents. If the Old Lady are indeed interested in selling him, the Blues would be wise to move for him.
De Ligt’s leadership skills have been well documented from his Ajax days and he could potentially lead the London outfit for over a decade.
#2 Adam Webster – Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Adam Webster has put in some excellent performances in the Premier League this season. The centre-back has not only impressed with his composure at the back, but has also shown a knack for carrying the ball up the pitch.
Additionally, Webster’s proven his knack for going for the spectacular, scoring an impressive goal in a 1-1 draw with the Blues in the Premier League.
Webster, who could get a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England side for his performances this season, may very well be just what Chelsea need. Unlike the other four centre-backs on this list, a move for Webster will not burn a hole in the Blues’ pocket.
The player is currently valued at €18million, which makes the transfer a lucrative one for Tuchel’s side.
#1 Jules Kounde – Sevilla
Finally, we have Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, who has been linked with the Blues numerous times over the last year. Even before Rudiger’s contract renewal was a pressing issue, the west Londoners expressed their desire to sign the Frenchman.
It was reported last summer that Chelsea and Sevilla were close to finalizing a £43million-transfer for the player, but the move eventually fell through due to a dispute.
Sevilla allegedly bumped up the defender’s asking price right at the end, which compelled Chelsea to pull the plug. If Rudiger does depart next summer, the Stamford Bridge outfit will be desperate to bring in a replacement, no matter the cost.
Sevilla’s Kounde, who regularly produces top-drawer displays in La Liga, could then emerge as the perfect option for the glory-hungry English side.
