The summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a busy one for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea.
The Blues could lose up to three central defenders at the end of the season, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger all seeing their contracts expire when this campaign reaches its conclusion.
With each passing day, the likeliness of the three defenders staying beyond this season is decreasing - meaning Tuchel will be tasked with bringing in one new centre-back, at the very least, in when the summer transfer window is upon us.
Spanish news outlet AS Sport are reporting that Tuchel has called on the Chelsea hierarchy to go all out to try and sign Real Madrid and Brazil defender Eder Militao in the summer.
Militao's value
As per CIES Football Observatory, Militao is valued at a whopping €90million (£75.9m), with three-and-a-half years still left on his contract with Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old signed for Los Blancos from Porto in the summer of 2019 and it took a bit of time for the Brazilian to settle in Spain.
However, over the past two seasons - especially the one we are currently in - Militao has been exceptional and this term, he has really stepped up to the mark following the departure of Madrid icon Sergio Ramos last summer.
The Real defender is very quick, meaning he can play a high-line, while also being very composed in possession, helping him play out from the back with assurance.
Tuchel sent message
Former Chelsea defender Geremi has called on Tuchel and the Blues board to go out and purchase Militao in the summer, with the Cameroonian speaking about possible departures from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Speaking to Genting Casino, Geremi said: "As we know, three of Chelsea's defenders - Rudiger, Azpilicueta and Christensen - are out of contract in the summer so they will need to recruit some new players in that area.
"They will be strong enough until the end of the season to challenge for the Champions League, but in summer they will need to recruit new defensive players.
"I believe someone like Eder Militao from Real Madrid could be a good addition as he is very strong and solid - but I'm sure the Chelsea board and Thomas Tuchel will know who the right choices will be and will have identified them in advance."
Alternatives to Militao
Chelsea of course had a strong interest in Jules Kounde from Sevilla last summer, but were unable to agree a deal with the Spanish club over the Frenchman's services.
It is yet to be seen whether the Blues will go back in for Kounde at the end of the season, but there will have undoubtedly been eyes from west London focusing on the France international this term.
Matthijs de Ligt has also been strongly linked with a move from Juventus to the European champions.
