Former Liverpool and England right-back Glen Johnson believes that Chelsea should prioritise signing a defender in the summer.
Thomas Tuchel has a number of centre-backs out-of-contract at the end of the season, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all set to be free agents
That leaves the Blues with Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr as their only senior defenders left at the club, with Silva only receiving a one-year contract extension until 2023.
It means Tuchel could be left light in his defensive options for the future, with a number of potential options being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Among those linked is Real Madrid’s Eder Militao, who has stepped up to become an impressive leadership figure in the absence of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane after they left the club last year.
Ex-England right-back Johnson does believe that the Brazil international would help the Blues out, but could be hard to sign from Los Blancos.
Speaking to Bettingodds.com, he said: “It’s always hard for a player to leave Real Madrid, particularly if you’re playing every week. It’s obviously a massive, iconic club.
“So I think if Eder Militao is playing and he continues to do well then I think it’d be hard for Chelsea to prise him away. I do, however, think it’s a player that would help Chelsea out.”
The 24-year-old has started nearly every game for Real Madrid this season, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side looking set to regain their La Liga title again.
His current deal runs until 2025 and given his form, it could be tough to sign him.
However, Johnson did add that a defender should be a priority for the Blues, even if it isn’t Militao.
He added: “I do think defensive reinforcements are a priority for Chelsea in the summer, even more so if they don’t sort out the two situations with Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen.
“They either need to sign them both up to new deals, or at least secure one of them and bring in somebody else.
“Something needs to happen. You can’t have two players walk out and your best defender being a 37-year-old.”
The situation come the summer may be clearer for the Blues, especially if their current defenders leave as a free agent.
Defenders may be the priority, but as for the here and now, contract discussions and outlook will shape their summer to be.
