You simply cannot go online right now and not see all the chatter about Chelsea’s centre backs, the potential search for a new one, and the on loan ones.
Centre backs are the talk of the town, but what about Chelsea’s current crop? Thomas Tuchel has some massive decisions to make on them, and the tides have turned for some.
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Going through them all, here is what I personally would do.
Thiago Silva – KEEP
I literally don’t even need a second to think about my verdict here.
Kurt Zouma – KEEP
Zouma has gone from being a dead cert under Frank Lampard, to possibly more of a squad player under Thomas Tuchel. For me, I rate Zouma as a defender and believe he is needed in this squad still and is a better option than Rudiger and Christensen.
Antonio Rudiger – SELL
Tuchel seems to like him, and I think he certainly has his strengths. But I also feel he would generate good money now he is playing again to sell him this summer. Still has too many critical errors in his game for me, time to sell.
Andreas Christensen – SELL
Played well last couple of matches and credit to him, but I just don’t think he will ever be the defender we need him to be and like Rudiger, he will generate a good fee this summer.
Fikayo Tomori – KEEP
If Milan don’t use their option to buy, then Fikayo should absolutely be back in our squad for next season, he is more than good enough.
Marc Guehi – LOAN (or keep if Milan buy Tomori)
Premier League loan is the ideal next step, but if Tomori is sold then bring him back in to our first team squad instead, because he is absolutely good enough already.
Ethan Ampadu – SELL (with an option to buy back)
Tough decision here, Ampadu is a quality player and I still have absolute faith that he will make it at one of the top clubs, I’m just not entirely sure it will be Chelsea. A wise sell with an option to buy back would be a good move here I think.
That would then leave Chelsea with their four centre back options for next season as Thiago Silva, Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori/Guehi, and a new signing.
It is also worth remembering that if Tuchel mainly decides to keep using a back three, there is Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James who both come in as options as well, and they are obviously both keeps!
I’ll leave you all to debate who would be the best option as the new signing!