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Kevin Campbell believes Chelsea will need to sign two new central defenders this summer with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen set to leave the club.
In recent months, the Blues’ contract and transfer dealings have been hampered due to the restrictions placed on the west London club after Russian owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.
As a result, Rudiger and Christensen – linked to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively – will both depart at the end of the season with Chelsea unable to offer the duo extensions to their expiring contracts.
Campbell, the former Arsenal forward, believes manager Thomas Tuchel must look to replace both of his central defenders in the summer as a matter of priority.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: ‘There is going to be big change at Chelsea in the summer.
‘It sounds like the three of them are leaving. This is modern football. This is what happens. Players run contracts down.
‘They are committed to the club while they are there but perhaps they want a new challenge. They are running their contracts down to see what is available.
‘I think there will be big change in the summer. You have to replace Christiansen and Rudiger. They will have to sign another couple of centre-halves at least. The club don’t have a choice.’
If Rudiger and Christensen leave Chelsea this summer, Tuchel could be left with just two orthodox central defenders in Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr come next season.
In recent weeks, the German has been unhappy with his side’s poor defending which was evident against Wolves on Saturday after the Blues surrendered a two-goal lead.
Reports suggest Tuchel is interested in signing Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt as defensive reinforcements.
However, with a striker also said to be on his wishlist, it remains to be seen whether he will get the financial backing he needs from incoming new owner Todd Boehly.
After a strong start to the season, Chelsea are stumbling over the line for a top-four finish and sit just a point above Arsenal in third.
MORE : Chelsea’s bid to replace Romelu Lukaku with Erling Haaland scuppered by sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich
MORE : ‘A big lump! Wolves coach slams Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku
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