Christensen and Rudiger offered new Chelsea deals
Chelsea have offered new contracts to Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger as they attempt to secure the futures of two of their central defenders.
And the European champions are weighing up a late loan move for Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez as they wait to see if they receive any offers for their fringe midfielders.
Christensen, 25, is thought to be close to agreeing his new long-term contract, while 28-year-old Rudiger has been offered an extension to his deal at Stamford Bridge – just 12 months after he considered leaving.
Both have entered the final year of their contracts and Chelsea want to reward their excellent form under head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Rudiger and Christensen were both integral to Chelsea’s Champions League success under Tuchel and have started both of the club’s opening two Premier League games, keeping clean sheets against Crystal Palace and Arsenal.
Chelsea remain interested in signing Jules Kounde from Sevilla if they can sell Kurt Zouma, who has held talks with West Ham over a move across London.
But Chelsea could also set up a deal for next year if Zouma, whose personal terms could be an issue for West Ham, does not leave, with 36-year-old Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta also in the final year of their contracts.
Chelsea would also prefer to move on midfielders if they are to agree a loan deal for Niguez.
Tuchel is a midfielder down after allowing Billy Gilmour to join Norwich City on loan, although Ruben Loftus-cheek and Ethan Ampadu have returned from their loan spells.
Chelsea would certainly like to find new clubs for Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko, all of whom have not yet been given a squad number.
Meanwhile, the club has agreed to sell defender Davide Zappacosta to Serie A club Atalanta.