‘Always going to leave’: TalkSPORT pundit claims there’s three Chelsea players who are on their way out

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Jason Cundy claims Chelsea trio Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, and Cesar Azpilicueta have all been destined to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, regardless of the new sanctions put on the club.

The future of everyone surrounding the Blues is a little unclear after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government on Thursday, which meant the freezing of his assets.

Subsequently, Chelsea are now working under new restrictions that raise several problems.

For example, Thomas Tuchel’s side can’t negotiate new contracts for existing players in their squad. Therefore, senior defenders Christensen, Rudiger, and Azpilicueta will all leave in the summer when their current deals end unless new ownership takes charge at the Bridge.

TalkSPORT pundit Cundy thinks Thursday’s news doesn’t impact too much the outcome of the defender’s futures.

“Christensen was always going to leave. I think he’s going to Barca. I’m not convinced that Toni (Rudiger) would have signed a new deal, even though he’s been magnificent for us. That’s going to be a big hole to fill. Azpi, apparently, the club could’ve triggered a year extension and hasn’t. Those three players I felt were always going to leave, but that doesn’t change the future about bringing in new players to replace them,” Cundy told talkSPORT.

Chelsea defence to be decimated

It’s a mammoth blow if the aforementioned trio all leave.

Christensen, 25, will reportedly join Spanish giants Barcelona on a five-year deal. The ball-playing centre-half has improved massively under Tuchel, so watching him depart with his prime years still ahead of him would be really disappointing.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United and Manchester United are linked with a swoop for 29-year-old centre-back Rudiger.

Finally, Barcelona reportedly want to raid Chelsea again for their captain and versatile defender Azpilcueta. The 32-year-old’s been a serial winner in West London and would leave a major void.

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