With the season on its final pause before the summer transfer window, there isn’t a better time for Tuchel and his staff to begin to tick down names of potential summer additions despite the huge uncertainties facing the club in this period of ownership’s transition.
With the departure of Andreas Christensen all but confirmed coupled with the uncertainty over the contracts of Antonio Rudiger and Caesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea face a potential need to rebuild the defence with multiple signings.
The first few big decisions facing the new owners surely has got to be the contracts of veteran and captain, Azpilicueta and German defence kingping Antonio Rudiger with both players still hovering afloat being free agents, Tuchel and his staff have got to be proactive and prepare for all eventualities.
Here, we take a look at six defenders Tuchel and his staffs should monitor ahead of the crucial summer transfer window :
Option number 1 : Jules Koundé :
The French versatile defender has been of Chelsea’s radar for some time now and Tuchel is thought to be a huge admirer of the former Bordeaux man, Kounde’s ability to play as a central defender and a right back means he’s perfectly suited to the three-man defence as mostly preferred by Tuchel, however Kounde mostly plays as a CB in a 4 at the back for Sevilla which shows just how versatile he is.
If Kounde does join Chelsea, he’s expected to fill in the gap on the right side of the defence and effectively replace Andreas Christensen and challenge Trevoh Chalobah, whilst also taking a position as the team’s right back if needed.
This season for Sevilla, Kounde has filled in as a right-back whenever Jesus Navas was absent and his ability to drive with the ball and be aggressive has meant he isn’t out of place on the defensive flank, One doubt about the 23 year old defender though is his height, A centre back standing at 5 ft 10 inches might struggle with the aerial challenges the premier league has to offer, however to counter ague that, Kounde boasts an impressive leap and has good aerial statistics.
Koundé Overall Rating: 9/10
Option number 2 : Levi Colwill
One name on every Chelsea fan lips is the one of a young and immensely talented Cobham graduate, Levi Colwill, The Chelsea loanee has hit the championship by storm with impressive performances for Huddersfield leading to calls for the youngster to be involved with the first team starting next season. Levi Colwill is still a work in progress and as such isn’t expected to take up a prominent role right away after just one good season in the Championship.
Colwill can play across the back three and could be a good squad addition and benefit from the more accomplished defenders in the team.
Colwill’s rating: 5/10
Option number 3 : Mathias Ginter
This name might come as a surprise but German defender, Matthias Ginter has been consistently performing at a brilliant level in the Bundesliga and also the German national team, The former Borussia Dortmund defender would be a free agent this summer and his availability on a free is sure to grant him various options to choose from.
Ginter has previously been linked to the blues and the opportunity to play outside the German shores might be too much to ignore for the reliable defender. Ginter is 28 years old and has earned valuable experience playing in the UCL and on the international stage with Germany.
Ginter is definitely suitable to the premier league with his huge frame of over 6”3 making him a tough nut to crack.
Ginter’s rating: 7/10
Option Number 4 : Lewis Dunk
Lewis Dunk is a wildcard on this list due to his present form and level but nonetheless, players have been seen to improve beyond their current level when moving to clubs with a bigger statue.
Lewis Dunk was a prominent name linked to Chelsea while Lampard held the reins at Stamford Bridge. The Brighton and Hove Albion skipper is a childhood Chelsea fan and as such has the club at heart. Joining Chelsea and playing at Stamford Bridge is sure to mean a lot to him and an opportunity many do not get.
Lewis is familiar with the premier league but his inexperience at the top level in Europe is a dent on a rather average career up to date. Dunk’s ability on the ball is quite underrated and he more often than not starts attacks for the Seagulls with his long passing range and drive with ball often creating spaces in the opponent’s half. Dunk’s aerial ability is also a very important part of his game.
Dunk’s rating: 6/10
Option Number 5 : Ronald Araujo
One name i would personally love to see on a Chelsea shirt next season is the name of Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan is presently having his best season yet since breaking into the first team of the Catalan giants. Araujo is a player of immense talent and at 23 years of age, there is much room for improvement and he’s certain to have a long career ahead of him if he stays fit and clear of career-threatening injuries.
Araujo stands at 6”3, a very good height for a premier league central defender. His ball playing and aerial ability is sure to stand him in good stead if he does move to London. He remains a threat from set-pieces and his versatility means he could play in the center of the back three or on the right side of the back three.
Araujo’s overall rating : 7/10
One final option? Tihlo Kehrer :
Thilo Kehrer is somewhat of a forgotten man but he is certainly a very good option. Thilo played with Tuchel at PSG and being a German, he turns out regularly for the German national team.
While in charge of PSG, Tuchel sanctioned the move to bring Kehrer to Paris in a bid to rejuvenate his defence and his compatriot did just that with strings of very good performances including the 2020 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern having previously suffered a “big injury”. Kehrer has struggled to have consistent game time since Tuchel left France and the urge to join his countryman might be too much to dislodge.
Kehrer’s price tag shouldn’t be inflated and any amount around the €40 million mark should be enough to bring the 25 year old over to Stamford Bridge. Kehrer is accustomed to the German style of play and having previously played under Tuchel, Kehrer is a viable option.
Kehrer Overall rating : 8/10
