What the Chelsea defence could look like next season

With reports today that Chelsea have joined the race to sign Barcelona prospect Ronald Araujo, Thomas Tuchel may have a new look defence next season.

Araujo is attracting a host of Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool, and now Chelsea have signalled their interest.

And following Tuchel's recent comments about defender Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva's contract expiring next summer and Antonio Rudiger rumoured to be wanted by Real Madrid, things could be very different for the Premier League leaders next summer.

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Christensen, Silva and Rudiger's contracts running down

The Stamford Bridge manager recently spoke about Denmark international Christensen signing a new contract with the club and said: “It is on Andreas to act. How he acts on the pitch, he needs to act off and walk the talk because he tells us that he loves Chelsea.

"He tells us that he wants to stay because he is a big part of a big club. I think he is a perfect fit and I think that he is not done here.

"His career here is, by far, not finished. But, as I said, it’s on him. We want the commitment and hopefully, we get it.”

The Dane's contract expires in the summer and, with eight starts in the Premier League this season, he is enjoying arguably his best spell with the club.

Another player whose contract is up next year is veteran defender Silva.

The 37-year-old Brazilian enjoyed a successful first season in London last campaign but it is believed the club will allow him to leave next year to freshen up the backline, even if his performances have been impressive.

Cesar Azpilicueta's contract also runs out in the summer.

Now, reports linking Rudiger with a move to Madrid on a free transfer when his contract runs down in June 2022 means it would leave Chelsea with just youngster Trevoh Chalobah as the only recognised central defender

Tuchel eyes replacements

In the past, the club have been linked with Sevilla's Jules Kounde, but it is the interest in Araujo that may excite Blues fans.

At 6ft 2in, Araujo is an imposing figure at the heart of the defence and is now an established Uruguay international.

Barca head coach Xavi recently said of the defender: "I’m very happy to have Ronald on the team, he has such a great personality.

"He celebrates everything and to have that type of profile as a defender, to be so engaged with the team, and celebrate everything is hard to find.

"We welcome him with open arms because it’s spectacular to see him train.

"He’s so positive, he has an excellent character and that’s key."

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Hungarian Attila Szalai who players for Turkish club Fenerbahce. He has started the season strong in Turkey with a move for him in January likely.

It is going to be a busy few months for Tuchel and Chelsea fans as the club continue to battle for the Premier League and in defence of their Champions League trophy.