Thomas Tuchel is reportedly open to the idea of relinquishing Antonio Rudiger permitted a decent offer comes in for the Chelsea defender.
This is according to the Guardian, who say the Blues will entertain the idea of selling Rudiger if a strong suitor shows serious interest.
Despite the German’s emergence of one of Tuchel’s most import assets last season, there are still uncertainties surrounding his Stamford Bridge future.
Antoni-go?
The 28-year-old only has one year left on his contract, with no concrete indication that a new deal is on the table.
Rudiger emerged from the embers towards the tail end of 2020/21, after a period out in the cold under Frank Lampard.
He was then reinstalled by his fellow countryman in January and the results were wonderful.
In 19 Premier League games the centre-back started, Chelsea only lost twice, conceding just nine times in that period.
His role in the Champions League triumph cannot be understated either.
11 appearances, eight wins, and eight clean sheets with Rudiger in attendance throughout the competition.
But all this could be thrown back in the former Roma man’s face if he is allowed to leave this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur reportedly want to sign him in September. They could well approach him again following the recent Jules Kounde update.
Fabrizio Romano said yesterday that the Blues had opened official talks with Sevilla’s sort-after Frenchman, a potential target of Tottenham.
Not only could this damage Spurs plans, but it may also affect Rudiger’s situation.
If Chelsea brings in Kounde, it almost certainly means Tuchel will need to let go of one of his current centre-halves.
Kurt Zouma looks the likely fall guy, although the giant German could also be at risk.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
