Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta ALL out? Where Chelsea’s defenders will be next season

Cameron Smith

• 18 Jan 2022 10:32 CST
• 5 min read

How to solve a problem like Chelsea's defence? Once so formidable at the back under Thomas Tuchel, the Blues have kept just two Premier League clean sheets since the start of November.

To call it a collapse would be slightly dramatic, but it has been an immense fall from grace for a side who became renowned for their defensive organisation and structure.

That solid block was how they won the Champions League, yet it seems a distant memory now.

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Serious injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James, as well as niggles and COVID problems for the majority of their central defenders, have played a large role in Chelsea's defensive decline, but something has certainly changed.

The uncertainty surrounding the future of their defenders is likely to have also played a part. Tuchel's side currently have six centre-backs on their roster, if you include Cesar Azpilicueta in that list, but three of these will be leaving Stamford Bridge for free in the summer, as things stand, while another only committed to another year at the club at the start of 2022.

It could mean the Blues are forced to conduct a serious defensive overhaul, which is never a good idea. But, Tuchel may not have a choice. Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and the aforementioned Azpilicueta all see their contracts at Chelsea expire at the end of June this year. Work has been, and is being, done to try and negotiate new deals for the trio, but at the moment, the situation isn't a promising one for Chelsea.

But, where could they be playing their football next year?

Antonio Rudiger

On current form over the past 12 months, there's an argument to be made that Rudiger has been the best central defender in world football. The Germany international has flourished as a left-sided centre-back in Tuchel's 3-4-3 system, and has perfectly mixed aggression with positional awareness.

So, his offers aren't exactly limited. Chelsea are still working on a deal that will please both parties, as they know how valuable Rudiger is to the team, especially under Tuchel. However, if Rudiger does have his heart set on a move elsewhere then there are multiple options.

Real Madrid have been the club most heavily linked with a move for Rudiger, with reports revealing the interest for the best part of six months now. Los Blancos are said to be happy with Eder Militao and David Alaba as their centre-back pairing, but Rudiger would add another body to a fairly small list of defenders, in comparison to the very best in Europe.

Bayern Munich, and a move to Germany, has also been touted. Niklas Sule is out of contract in Bavaria this summer, and as a club who typically operate in a shrewd way, signing someone of Rudiger's quality for free is the type of move Bayern have become known for.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked, although it may hinge on whether Marquinhos or Presnel Kimpembe leave the club.

Andreas Christensen

An agreement between Christensen and Chelsea seemed all but secured at the end of 2021, but a late change of heart and an increased wage demand has halted talks.

The Danish centre-back has come into his own under Tuchel, and is someone who suits the style of football the former PSG manager has deployed at Stamford Bridge.

However, his new financial wants have provided a roadblock in negotiations, and it seems as though he may depart.

The only real club to have shown interest are Barcelona, and it's believed that Christensen's head has been turned by speculation of a move to the Camp Nou.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Unlike Rudiger and Christensen, Azpilicueta's future at Chelsea doesn't hinge on an improved offer from the Blues.

His wage demands aren't the issue; it's simply a case of whether he wants to remain at the club, or seek a new adventure.

The club captain has been at Chelsea since 2012, and talk has spread that he is considering a new club. Barcelona have also been linked with the Spanish defender, although interest isn't yet concrete.

Although he's come back into favour recently, Azpilicueta is no longer first choice at Chelsea, and given he's now 32, a fresh venture into a new team, where he'll be guaranteed minutes, could be an attractive proposition.

Thiago Silva

While the aforementioned three are yet to commit to a future at Chelsea, the club has managed to persuade Thiago Silva to put pen to paper on an extension that will see him remain at Stamford Bridge for a further year.

The Brazilian was set to leave for free in the summer, but is now contracted until 2023. With the future of his fellow central defenders unknown, it was essential for Chelsea to tie Silva down to a new deal, and with his future safe, they can move onto negotiations with Rudiger, Christensen, and Azpilicueta.