Chelsea Eyeing Leicester Defender to Replace Antonio Rudiger

DBasia.news – Chelsea are still in a race against time to extend the contract of German centre-back Antonio Rudiger. His contract expires at the end of the 2021-2022 season and he is being targeted by a number of European clubs.

In this situation, Chelsea have two choices, namely selling him in the winter transfer market (January 2022) or releasing him for free (free agents) at the end of the 2021-2022 season. Chelsea began to anticipate his departure.

Although Rudiger (28 years old) is Thomas Tuchel’s first choice at Chelsea and has been playing for the club since 2017, his contract situation is uncertain. With the challenges of playing in different clubs and leagues, Rudiger has the potential to leave Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea is also preparing a replacement. After having difficulty signing Jules Kunde from Sevilla, the Blues turned their target to Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana. The news was published in Foot Mercato.

Chelsea have been attracted to Fofana after playing his debut season at Leicester last season, before injury hit him. Besides Chelsea, Manchester United are also monitoring the 20-year-old player.

Since coming to Leicester from Saint-Etienne in 2020 for £30 million, Fofana has adapted well in the Premier League and has also played in the France Under-21 national team. His contract is still remaining until 2025.

Like a tit for tat, Fofana’s potential for Chelsea is wide open, as the player tells ActuFoot some of his dream places to play.

“There is Marseille, Real Madrid, Barcelona. Then in the Premier League there are Chelsea, Man United and Man City. But you have to work to achieve your dreams. Through hard work, you can be successful,” said Fofana.

“I’ve been a Marseille fan since I was born. Marseille is a dream. But we don’t know what awaits in football,” he explained.

Given the way Leicester sell their assets at high prices such as Harry Maguire, N’Golo Kante, Ben Chilwell and Riyad Mahrez, it is not impossible that they also set a high price tag for Fofana.