Chelsea consider 4 centre-backs as Rudiger replacements, Kounde on the list

Chelsea have stepped up efforts to identify the centre-back they might side to replace the outgoing Antonio Rudiger, Goal's Nizaar Kinsella reports.

Jules Kounde (Sevilla), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG) and Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid) are all seriously considered by the club.

Kounde was close to signing with Chelsea last summer but the Blues could not reach an agreement with the club.

The reporter adds that RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol is also someone known to Chelsea. The 20-year-old Croatian has impressed the scouts since his time at Dinamo Zagreb.

He differs from the rest of the defenders on the shortlist in that he is left-footed - a very valuable trait which, however, would put in doubt the future of Levi Colwill, Chelsea's very own left-footed centre-back who tears up the Championship. The Blues would want to avoid the repeat of the Tino Livramento scenario.

Given that Andreas Christensen is also highly likely to leave as a free agent, Thomas Tuchel might push for two signings to bolster his defensive options. It remains to be seen if the new owners would be willing to support such spending.

Source: Goal