Chelsea's transfer overhaul as Tuchel locates four targets amid defensive exodus

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly set to complete a mass overhaul of the club's defensive department with a number of players on his shortlist.

The Blues are expected to go through a shake-up of their squad during the off-season once Todd Boehly's protracted takeover is completed. It remains to be seen when the deal will be officially signed-off but regardless, the West London club already have a comprehensive list of transfer targets compiled.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea are anticipating the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the expiry of their contracts next month. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively have been linked with the pair, who have played important roles since Tuchel took over one-and-a-half years ago.

Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta is also rumoured to be considering leaving Stamford Bridge despite having activated a clause in his contract for an extended 12-month deal. Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on Spain to find a replacement for all of their potential outgoings.

Jules Kounde has long been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge as the Blues pushed hard for his services last summer. It is suggested that personal terms were struck during that original pursuit but a fee could not be agreed with the Frenchman's employers, Sevilla.

Whilst the Spanish side have already agreed to a major defensive departure this summer following Aston Villa's acquisition of Brazilian Diego Carlos, Chelsea remain hopeful that they will still be able to sign Kounde.

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Elsewhere, RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol also features on the Blues' shortlist should they require multiple recruits in the heart of the defence. That being said, a move for the Croatian depends on how much is available to spend in the window following the takeover.

The overhaul is not just limited to centre-back; Chelsea are apparently aiming to sell Spanish full-back Marcos Alonso this summer, with Ben Chilwell having recovered promisingly from his long-term knee injury. Tuchel is reportedly aiming to reinstate Italian international Emerson Palmieri as his back-up at Stamford Bridge following a successful loan spell with Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.

There also remains the potential to strengthen at right-back. The Blues remain interested in Morocco international Achraf Hakimi despite having lost out to Paris Saint-Germain for his signature last summer. Another name that has also been mentioned is Barcelona's Sergino Dest.

However, it remains unlikely that the Blues will pursue either of the two unless Reece James decides to leave Stamford Bridge in the near future. There is reported to be interest in his services, with Manchester City and Real Madrid thought to be admirers.