Chelsea are expected to listen to offers for central defensive duo Fikayo Tomori and Antonio Rudiger in January.
As per ESPN, Tomori is seen as an important part of Chelsea’s long term plans but Frank Lampard is acutely aware of his need for gametime.
Meanwhile, Rudiger was apparently hopeful of forcing his way into Lampard’s plans – turning down a host of offers in the summer.
He has only played three times this season, although he did impress on his only Premier League outing of the campaign.
That came in the 2-0 win over Newcastle last month, when Joe Cole called his performance ‘exceptional’, as per Metro.
That was a reminder of his quality but the report says Rudiger – and Tomori – are both unlikely to get the gametime required to keep them happy between now and January, barring any injuries.
Crucially, the report says the ball is already rolling, with intermediaries already aware that both players could be available next month.
It remains to be seen if both players would leave. From the outside, it seems more logical that only one would go, leaving Lampard with four senior centre backs.
Tomori needs matches to carry on his development after a breakthrough season in 2019/20, when he made his England debut too.
For Rudiger, at the age of 27, he doesn’t want to be sitting on the bench as cover.
That’s a tough balance for Lampard to strike. Perhaps selling Rudiger would allow Tomori more opportunities.
Of course, it remains to be seen which offers come in – but it would be a surprise if Chelsea ended the window with five centre halves based on the report.
- ‘Percosivism’? Purposivism? Meaning explained amid Kennedy-Bjelkengren exchange
- Who is Florida OnlyFans mom Victoria ‘Snooks’ Triece and how old is she?
- Where did Biden judicial nominee Charnelle Bjelkengren go to law school?
- Are Aidan Morris and Jordan Morris brothers, or in any way related?
- Angelina ‘Kim Kardashian’ Pivarnick wanted to meet Pete Davidson after split
