Chelsea news: Expert issues worrying prediction amid ‘£70m’ Antonio Rudiger claim
Noel Whelan has warned Chelsea it will not be an “easy summer” as they prepare for a defensive exodus.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Blues will have to put in “a lot of work” behind the scenes and on the pitch to continue the success of recent years.
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed star defender Antonio Rudiger will leave Chelsea upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta have both agreed personal terms with Barcelona ahead of potential summer switches to the Catalan giants.
Chelsea are currently unable to sign players to new contracts as a result of sanctions placed upon the club by the UK government.
Whelan insisted a new-look defence will take “some gelling and bedding in”.
“It’s not going to be an easy summer for Chelsea,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“That defence is going to take some gelling and bedding in. At least Thiago Silva is sticking around for one more year.
“Those three will be a massive loss, Rudiger in particular.
“To try and go out there and replace them – it’s going to cost an eye-watering amount of money.
“It’ll sting. They could’ve probably sold Rudiger for £70million – but instead, he’s going for free.
“They’ve got a lot of work upstairs and on the pitch to try and continue the success they’ve had.”
Chelsea sit third in the Premier League and will face Liverpool in the FA Cup final next month.
The Stamford Bridge club are nearing a buyout as three bidders fight for control of the London giants.
In other news, expert “sure” on Conor Gallagher move amid “£30m” claim.