Chelsea squad numbers available for next season and who could wear them amid Josko Gvardiol
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It's set to be a huge summer for Chelsea as Thomas Tuchel will look to continue to build
his squad in the hopes to be able to compete with Man City and Liverpool at the top of
the table next season after falling short this campaign.
The Blues will almost certainly finish in the top four despite a colossal wobble this
past month, with Arsenal potentially taking 3rd place should results not go the Blues
way.
Coupled with Tottenham and Man United's inability to capitalise on rare Chelsea slips, Tuchel's
side should secure a UCL spot.
With new centre-backs, a midfielder and a striker on the radar for the soon to be newly
formed Blues board, which could contain Marina Granovskaia still, a number names are hot
on the agenda of the club and football.london takes a look at the potential shirt numbers
which could become available for new signings.
No.2
Coming off his best season in a Chelsea shirt, centre-back Antonio Rudiger is set to leave,
with a move to Real Madrid looking likely.
The German has reportedly already agreed a move to the Spanish capital, with Chelsea
looking to add a number of centre-backs this summer.
One signing who could occupy the jersey could be Ronald Araujo from Barcelona.
The Uruguayan continues to be linked with a move away as Xavi looks to rebuild his squad.
Alternatively, Reece James could take the No.2 jersey, switching from No.24.
No.4
Andreas Christensen is also set to leave the club, with a move being confirmed by transfer
journalist Fabrizio Romano stating that he will join Barcelona, along with captain Cesar
Azpilicueta.
One signing who could take the jersey is Declan Rice - a number he has worn for England.
The former Chelsea youth player is being linked with a move back, with a potential transfer
now slightly more likely as West Ham are set to miss out on a Champions League spot.
Another could be Jules Kounde.
The Sevilla centre-back is once again heavily being linked to Chelsea after a move fell
through last summer.
Elsewhere, his French compatriot, Aurelian Tchouameni, could take the number should Chelsea
sign him.
The Monaco defensive midfielder is being linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool
and Manchester United also reportedly interested.
No.9
What a nightmare season it has been for Romelu Lukaku.
Whilst the Belgian could absolutely remain at the club next season, it wouldn't be a
surprise if Chelsea sell the Belgian for significantly less money than what they paid for him.
Lukaku has been linked to a move back to Inter, while Real Madrid have reportedly shown interest.
A player who could be the one to take over the jersey, is Benfica's Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguayan is being linked to Chelsea after a truly outstanding season in Portugal.
No.11
Similarly to Romelu Lukaku, German striker Timo Werner finds himself down the depth chart
at Chelsea and could garner interest this summer - with Borussia Dortmund rumoured to
be interested as they look to replace Erling Haaland, who looks set to join Man City.
One player who could take the jersey is Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The West Yorkshire side are staring relegation in the face, and will almost certainly be
forced into selling the talented Brazilian, with Chelsea able to pounce on a potential
bargain.
No.15
A number usually taken by centre-backs, Chelsea will be looking to add a number of players
at the position - could RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol take the jersey?
The left-sided centre-back is seen as one of the better at the position for his age,
after having a breakthrough campaign in the Bundesliga.
Elsewhere, the number could also be taken by impressive loanee Levi Colwill.
The 19-year-old has been a standout performer for Huddersfield this season and will getting
a look in by Tuchel next season.