How Chelsea could line up next season including De Ligt and Kounde transfers with FOUR defenders out of contract
CHELSEA could have a different defence next season with four current centre-backs out of contract in the summer.
The Blues have been heavily linked with defensive signings too, though they are keen for Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger to pen new deals.
Chelsea have held a long-term interest in Sevilla star Jules Kounde.
The club made a move for the French defender in the summer but failed to agree a fee with the LaLiga outfit.
Sevilla want £60million for Kounde and Chelsea are still interested, but face competition for his signature from Manchester United.
And the defensive reinforcements may not stop there, with Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt also being targeted.
Chelsea have reportedly held talks with his agent Mino Raiola about a potential transfer.
The Dutch defender could be badly needed next summer, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva also in the last year of their contracts alongside Rudiger and Christensen.
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Rudiger’s future is particularly uncertain amid interest from Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
Barcelona are also believed to be considering moves for Christensen and Azpilicueta.
But there is room for optimism for Chelsea, as Christensen revealed he is happy at the club and said talk about a new deal “looks good”.
Should he leave however Chelsea may need more than two new defensive signings, so could try to bring in Atletico Madrid ace Jose Gimenez – the club have held a long-term interest in the Uruguayan.
The Blues have also been linked with midfielders Jude Bellingham and Marcelo Brozovic, who could arrive on a free next summer.
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