Araujo, Kounde & Chelsea's defensive summer shortlist

James Shearman

• Updated: 9 Feb 2022 13:04 CST
• 4 min read

Chelsea's defence could be transformed this summer, with a number of potentially outgoing centre backs needing to be replaced.

Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and club legend Cesar Azpilicueta's deals are all up at the end of the season.

And while there have been contract talks with all three at various times, a fair judgement would be that at least two of them are to leave Stamford Bridge for pastures new.

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As such, the Blues hierarchy will need to invest in replacements for the outgoing stars.

So, here are a list of names that will be on Chelsea's defensive shortlist this summer.

Matthijs De Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt has been linked with a move to the Premier League ever since breaking through at Ajax, and now a switch to Chelsea is on the cards.

In fact, reports have suggested that the Dutchman has been open to a move for months, with his agent Mino Raiola confirming these rumours.

West London is seen as the most likely destination, although he would cost a fair amount. Juventus paid £67 million to sign De Ligt in 2019, so will be keen on recouping that fee with any sale.

Jules Kounde

Chelsea have maintained their interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, having been close to agreeing a deal last summer.

The Frenchman was left disappointed that the deal fell through but has not let that affect his game. Though, he would still be keen on a move to the Premier League.

Also, the fact that Newcastle missed out on Kounde's centre-back partner, Diego Carlos, in January makes this deal a whole lot more likely.

Ronald Araujo

One of many Barcelona players that could be on their way out is Ronald Araujo, as the Catalan club look to balance the books this summer.

And, the highly-rated central defender has reportedly rejected the Blaugrana's latest contract offer, which has caught Chelsea's attention.

Araujo would be relatively cheap in comparison to many of the Blues' other top targets.

Wesley Fofana

Wesley Fofana was one of the outstanding defenders in the Premier League last season, but has missed all of the current campaign through injury. Nevertheless, he could make a rather unlikely switch to Chelsea this summer.

It would be a risky move from the Blues' perspective given the player’s long-term absence, as there is a danger that when he returns to the field, he will be less effective than before.

But, at 21 years of age, it might well be a risk worth taking for Thomas Tuchel's side.

Marquinhos

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos is another name on Chelsea's radar.

The Brazilian took the armband in Paris once Thiago Silva departed, to join the Blues, and has stepped up ever since.

His contract doesn't expire until 2024, so Chelsea would need to pay the full price for him, but the idea of reuniting with both Silva and manager Thomas Tuchel could see the Blues fork out for the Brazilian.

Nico Schlotterbeck

Nico Schlotterbeck has been one of the best young centre-backs in Europe this season, and has a real shot of making the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

And, he is left-footed, meaning he would ideally suit playing on the left of a back three, something which only applies to Malanfg Sarr in the current Chelsea squad.

Plus, plying his trade at Freiburg, Schlotterbeck would cost significantly less than the majority of players on Chelsea's wishlist.