Ben Chilwell has conceded that it will be "difficult" for Chelsea to replace Antonio Rudiger this summer. The Germany international recently completed a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired.
The Blues were unable to persuade Rudiger to extend his stay at the club and are now tasked with finding an adequate replacement for the German. Chelsea have been linked with a host of new centre-backs, but finding someone with the presence of Rudiger will be challenging.
"Yeah, of course, he is going to be difficult to replace," Chilwell said. "Toni was one of the most influential players in the team last year, not just for his performances on the pitch, which were amazing week in, week out.
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"Around the training ground, then dressing room before games making sure that everyone keeps their standards – I've only got good things to say about Toni. Of course, I wish him all the best in his next chapter, and I've told him that. And he's wished us all the best.
"I think Chelsea will always have a place in his heart. But it was probably a dream for him to move to Madrid, so good luck to him."
Chelsea appear to be getting closer to bringing a new central defender to the club. The Blues are in advanced talks with Manchester City over the signing of Nathan Ake, with personal terms agreed for the Netherlands international.
Ake spent six years at Stamford Bridge before joining Bournemouth on a permanent deal in 2017. The 27-year-old spent three years down on the south coast before moving to Manchester City in 2020 for just north of £40million.
Now, with Thomas Tuchel looking to replace Rudiger, and Andreas Christensen, who recently signed for Barcelona, Ake has emerged as a top target for Chelsea. Ake would likely fit in on the left-hand side of a back-three – where Rudiger played during his time under Tuchel.
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