With Antonio Rudiger’s contract at Chelsea set to expire at the end of the season, the German international’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent months.Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, along with a number of other European clubs are reportedly interested in the centre-back.And it is no surprise Chelsea are planning ahead. With Rudiger potentially leaving in a matter of months, it seems that Tuchel is already targeting other centre-back prospects.Sun, 26/12, 20.30: (5.40) ASTON VILLA (3.70) CHELSEA (1.75)It is rumoured Chelsea are having another go at Sevilla’s Jules Kounde however according to reports – the German manager would like to bring someone he is familiar with.Thomas Tuchel is eager bring in PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe to replace Rudiger at Stamford Bridge and as reported by L’Equipe via The Sun – the 48-year-old coach is eyeing a reunion with Kimpembe, who he worked with at PSG.The two had great chemistry during their two-year-cooperation in France and in that time the pair won Ligue 1 twice and managed to reach the 2020 Champions League final.At the moment PSG stand firm at the summit of Ligue 1, despite several unconvincing performances, and Kimpembe has been an on-and-off captain of the Saints during the ongoing campaign.The Frenchman has more than three years remaining on his contract with the Paris side but is believed that he is up for a new challenge abroad. It is understood that the 26-year-old is valued around 48 million USD.German anger 2: Tuchel blames EPL’s lack of empathy for Chelsea’s disarrayWith Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta also out of contract in the summer, Tuchel is trying to piece together his backline ahead of next season. Of course it is not yet certain if Rudiger will leave and the club will wait until the end of the campaign to see if the German does depart the club before following up on their interest in Kimpembe.Whether PSG would be willing to let him go midway through the season remains to be seen, but Chelsea may be tempted to put a bid as soon as January.
