Chelsea search for centre-back transfers for Antonio Rudiger replacement but answers may be at Cobham

Such is the clamour at a club such as world and European champions Chelsea, that inevitably the west London outfit are linked with any top player on the transfer market.

Just recently Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has been reported to be of interest to Thomas Tuchel’s side, with question marks over the future of Romelu Lukaku.

But of more importance is the defensive personnel, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and César Azpilicueta all out of contract this summer and with their futures yet to be resolved.

Real Madrid and Barcelona appear to be waiting in the wings, and seeing out a player’s final years in Spain is a big draw.

And so focus turns to who and how the Chelsea hierarchy can replace the players who look unlikely to sign new deals given the length of time and with summer fast approaching.

Have the trio stalled for time? Did they ever intend to stay? Who knows but what looks unlikely is a last-minute about turn to remain in Stamford Bridge.

Regardless, a top club is never about one or two individuals. Anyone leaving can be replaced and no doubt, whatever happens, Marina Granovskaia and co will be able to source able reinforcements or complete last-second contract extensions.

If the former, then there are certainly good options on the market this summer, with plenty of top defenders either out of contract or approaching the end a year later and possibly available for transfer.

Matthijs de Ligt is reported to be available this simmer - according to agent Mino Raiola reportedly - while Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij will have just a year to run on their contracts at Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Wolves’ Max Kilman has been linked this week, in one outlandish claim, while PSG captain Marquinhos has been reported to be the main centre-back eyed by Tuchel and his staff by reputable sources, if not long-term target Jules Kounde.

Either of that pair would fit the bill nicely and reduce the average age of the West Londoners’ defence.

But could the club turn inwards as it looks for defensive options? There’s a good chance.

BBC Sport reported a conversation with Mason Mount’s father Tony, about how Frank Lampard’s involvement back at the club and the transfer ban that ended in February 2020 had been beneficial for the club.

And more specifically, for their youth stars - such as Mount - looking to break through.

“The academy, the quality of the coaching and everything associated with it was world class,” he said.

“But having been there nine years leading up to Mason getting a scholarship, there was nothing to change my mind about him staying there because there wasn’t a pathway.

“I told Mason that no player had progressed and sustained a career in the Chelsea first team since John Terry.

“I met with other clubs who were talking about pathways.

“I made Chelsea aware but Mason told me he wasn’t going anywhere, this was his club and he was going to go all the way.

“Frank Lampard coming into the club and the transfer ban [made the difference]. It was all about timing.

“Mason, Reece [James] and Tammy [Abraham] all came back in at the right time.

“Mason was fortunate to have a year with Frank at Derby,” he explained.

While experience was paramount before - as Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi and others have sadly learned - things are different now and the Blues have serious defensive options such as Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr already getting first-team chances, with Ethan Ampadu and younger defensive talents such as 20-year-old Dutchman Xavier Mbuyamba and others.