So far, there has been no progress in the Ruddiger – Christiansen – Cesar Azpilicueta talks. And while Chelsea can do without their captain in the summer, they won’t be so happy to lose the German and the Dane, but since contract talks have stalled, the Blues are trying to react and deal with the situation accordingly. Sorting out the backfield is a must for Chelsea, either in January or in June. They have more pressing needs, like a full back, since Reece James and Ben Chilwell are both out, but coach Thomas Tuchel, known for his good defense, also wants to sort out center backs too.Hero’s welcome for kind soul Rudiger as he touches down in Sierra LeoneThat’s why Chelsea is after Niklas Sule and Jules Kounde (again) during this transfer window. Since German international looks all but certain to leave Bayern at the end of the season, now is the time to talk to the player, as others will try that too (see Barcelona, Real and the usual suspects – PSG). Both Bild and Sport1 claim that the club have already spoken to the player’s representatives and are ready to make a move for the German.(2.30) IVORY COAST (3.05) EGYPT (3.80)Apparently Sule’s potential deal doesn’t rule out a second attempt to buy Jules Kounde. The French international was a subject of a failed bid from Chelsea during the last transfer window and the player was furious with Seville after refusing to let him go, so this time, Chelsea are apparently doing the deal for June. Around 8 billion Ksh is mentioned in the reports regarding Kounde’s potential arrival to Stamford Bridge, and if Chelsea manages to pull these two deals, they will have an advantage over Ruddiger and Christiansen contract talks. As for Cesar Azpilicueta, it seems his departure is all but assured. The Spaniard is interested in coming back to Spain after 10 years with Chelsea and is already in talks with Barcelona.
