Romagnoli to Chelsea: The perfect Rudiger replacement?

James Shearman

• Updated: 19 May 2022 12:26 CDT
• 3 min read

Chelsea are looking at AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli as a potential replacement for the outgoing Antonio Rudiger.

Manager Thomas Tuchel has a list of defensive targets, with Rudiger and Andreas Christensen set to leave, of which Romagnoli is reportedly on.

The Blues will face competition from the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but should be able to offer the most lucrative package after the recent takeover.

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Rudiger has agreed a four-year deal with Champions League finalists Real Madrid on £315,000-per-week, according to The Mirror.

Whereas, Christensen will sign for La Liga rivals Barcelona upon the conclusion of the current campaign.

Elsewhere, Spaniards Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are also expected to depart the west London club.

Therefore, the German boss has no choice but to look for replacements, to feature alongside 37-year-old Thiago Silva next season.

Youngsters Levi Colwill and Ethan Ampadu are returning from loans this summer, while Trevoh Chalobah has already impressed at Stamford Bridge, but some more experience in the backline is absolutely necessary.

Is Romagnoli the perfect Rudiger replacement?

Romagnoli has been a consistent performer for AC Milan in his seven years at San Siro, but has struggled with injuries this season.

Indeed, the Italian has only featured in 18 Serie A games in the 2021-22 campaign, compared to 22 in 2020-21 and 35 in 2019-20.

Former Chelsea man Fikayo Tomori and Denmark international Simon Kjaer have been to go-to pair for the league leaders.

Yet, Romagnoli still has a lot to offer, at 27 years of age, but replacing Rudiger at Stamford Bridge is a tough ask.

The German's athleticism has been a huge plus for Tuchel's side, deployed on the outside of a back three.

The Milan captain, however, is particularly slow and would much better suit playing in the centre of a three - where Silva has excelled.

Now, given the Brazilian's age, having an option to rotate would not be a bad idea, but Romagnoli is by no means the ideal candidate to take over from Rudiger in a Blues shirt.