Who should Chelsea sign if Rüdiger, Christensen and Azpilicueta leave?

Chelsea are in a testing predicament. They are likely to lose Antonio Rüdiger, Andreas Christensen and César Azpilicueta at the end of the season and need to bring in new centre-backs to ease their departures. It will be easier said than done. Chelsea are still hamstrung by the ongoing sanctions put in place by the UK government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent freezing of Roman Abramovich’s assets.

Abramovich is in the process of selling the club, but that is taking longer than many had hoped as Todd Boehly waits patiently for the deal to be completed. Should Boehly take charge, he has a big task on his hands to fund a complete revamp of the defence. Here are five centre-backs who have been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea thought Jules Koundé was on his way to the club last summer, only for the deal to collapse when Sevilla moved the goalposts at the last minute. However, Chelsea remain keen on the France international. Once Chelsea are free to sign players, Koundé will be a priority.

Sevilla have conceded fewer goals (30) than any other team in La Liga this season and much of that is down to Koundé’s influence at the back. The 23-year-old also has the ability to bring the ball forward and set Sevilla on the front foot. He has made more forward passes (1,703) than any other outfielder in La Liga since the start of last season and this attribute would suit Chelsea in their quest to dominate opponents.

Pau Torres is expected to leave Villarreal this summer and the Spain international is not short of suitors. Manchester United and Tottenham have both been credited with an interest in the ball-playing centre-back, whose progressive passing would undoubtedly appeal to