Chelsea risk losing four defenders for free as Barcelona ramp up interest

Chelsea are heading towards a defensive crisis with four of their regular defenders available to leave free next summer — and Barcelona are ready to pounce.

The Blues are currently facing an unprecedented situation with as many as four departures possible from their backline for nothing next summer.

Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva are all out of contract in June 2022 and as of yet, there is no agreement to renew their respective deals.

Rudiger has been one of the finest defensive performers in the world in 2021 and played a key role in Chelsea 's Champions League success in May against Manchester City.

The centre-back has made over 150 appearances for the club since arriving in a £29million deal from AS Roma and has become a fans' favourite due to his no-nonsense style of play.

But the Germany international appears to be edging closer to the Stamford Bridge exit with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain all thought to be interested in offering a contract.

Losing Rudiger would be a blow for Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel and director Marina Granvoskaia, but the uncertainty over three other defensive figures has only exacerbated the situation.

Andreas Christensen was dropped earlier this month after twice refusing to sign an extension despite reports on a verbal agreement with the club.

The Dane, 25, has been at Chelsea since 2012 and has become an important part of the club's setup under Tuchel's reign.

The other two players situations are more straightforward. Captain Azpilicueta has been linked with a return to his native Spain, with Barcelona thought to be pushing for a move.

New boss Xavi Hernandez is keen to add experience to his young squad and, according to The Athletic, Barca's interest in the 32-year-old is "genuine".

The Catalan coach knows Azpilicueta from their time working together with the Spain national side and is a "huge fan", the report adds.

Have Your Say! Which defenders should Chelsea keep at the club? Comment below.

However, the right-back is keen to remain with the Blues if a new deal is put on the table due to his family's happiness living in the area.

But the Spain international is keen for some assurances over his role in the squad after falling behind Christensen and Trevoh Chalobah in the right-sided centre-back role.

As things stand, Silva's situation appears likely to have the most positive outcome.

The report claims the Brazil international — who arrived as Frank Lampard's signing in 2020 from PSG — is now very likely to stay at Stamford Bridge and sign another one-year extension.

Chelsea have been making contingency plans in the event that there are departures from the defensive quartet this summer, with several high-profile names linked.

The club failed in a move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde at the end of the summer transfer window and Chalobah's recent rise saw them cool their interest.

Other reported targets include Juventus ' towering centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, Bayern Munich's Niklas Sule and Hungary international Attila Szalai from Fenerbahce.

But Tuchel is confident the club can reach an agreement on the negotiation table with Azpilicueta, rather than allow the full-back to leave for free.

"I don't see any problem here. The situation between Azpi, me and the club is very clear," he told the club's official website.

"He is our captain. He has all possibilities to stay here as long as possible and become the legend he already is. He is a fantastic captain and a fantastic player."

The 48-year-old also called for "patience" in the club's attempts to keep hold of Rudiger, but hinted the club would not be held for ransom.

"It's true that nobody is bigger than the club and this is a team effort and a strong club," he said.

"It's not only about Toni and I mean that in the best way because we know what he's doing and we're fully aware of it.

"In the end, we need a bit of patience. I have no update right now."