Former Premier League striker Louis Saha insists he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if signed Jules Kounde this summer to replace Antonio Rudiger.
Rudiger is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, having agreed a four-year deal to join Spanish giants .
The Blues were hoping to convince Rudiger to extend his stay in west London and both and Jorginho have bemoaned his impending exit in recent days.
Chelsea are already considering their options as they look to replace Rudiger and Saha believes Kounde could be the ideal man to fill the void left by the German’s move to the Bernabeu.
Sevilla and France star Kounde has previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and is valued at more than £50m.
Asked about Kounde and whether Chelsea could sign the Frenchman, former Manchester United, Fulham and Everton striker Saha told : ‘He’s a very smart lad, he’s been a top defender for his club side and the national team.
‘He’s proved himself as a top defender and his main quality is his intensity. Both Jules and Tony have different styles, Rudiger is a bit more aggressive on 50/50s.
‘But Jules would definitely be an exciting player for the Premier League and I’m sure he’d love to play in the Premier League at some point.
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if he joined Chelsea, as they are always looking to strengthen and he is a fantastic young player. He wouldn’t have any issues adapting to the league, maybe a few months but he’d be a great addition.’
On Wednesday, Chelsea boss Tuchel said that ‘nobody likes’ Rudiger’s decision to leave the Premier League club in the summer.
‘I don’t think anybody likes it,’ Tuchel said. ‘He gives everybody confidence in the dressing room.
‘He is a unique character and plays on an outstanding level. He sometimes takes the focus towards him, he loves responsibility.
‘Nobody likes this decision but we have to accept it. Like it or not there will be life at Chelsea after Toni. It is also the most important thing for us that it ends like it started, on the highest level.’
Jorginho, meanwhile, says he and his teammates will ‘miss’ Rudiger if he does complete a move to Real Madrid, who knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League earlier this month.
‘He’s been here a long time so if he leaves then we’re going to miss him,’ said Jorginho.
‘He’s a big personality and he’s helped us a lot. We’ve had amazing times here; he’s a good friend of mine and of course if he leaves everyone at the club will miss him, not just me.’
, .
, and .
