Chelsea face the danger of losing Antonio Rüdiger, Andreas Christensen and César Azpilicueta for nothing after this season as the trio have their contracts expiring in June.
The latter two are linked to Barcelona, with reports stating the Dane has verbally agreed to join the La Liga side. The possibility of losing three defenders in the summer has seen the Blues look at various options for next campaign.
Ronald Araújo is one of the targets for the Champions League winners. Last month, Sport reported the west London club contacted the centre-back and have a ‘powerful offer’ for him to replace Rüdiger at Stamford Bridge.
Marca now have a report about the Catalan club potentially signing Christensen on a free transfer in the next window. Araújo’s situation also gets a mention as his current deal expires in 2023.
It’s claimed Xavi Hernández’s side ‘have to be careful’ with extending the 22-year-old’s contract. Barcelona are ‘trying to renew’ the Uruguay international’s deal, but they are facing issues since Chelsea are ‘very interested in signing’ Araújo.
