10am: Blues plans to go back for former defender as Rudiger replacement, as Mason Burstow becomes Chelsea’s first summer signing
Because Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen will be departing the club this summer, Chelsea’s backline will need to be completely rebuilt at the end of the season.
Thiago Silva is 37, Cesar Azpilicueta is 32 and slowing down, Trevoh Chalobah is learning the ropes, and Malang Sarr isn’t quite up to par.
Jules Kounde of Sevilla has been identified as Chelsea’s top target for the conclusion of the season, but he isn’t the only one.
Former Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori is one of the centre-backs the Blues are considering to replace outgoing defenders, according to Spanish website Fichajes.
Tomori, aged 24, signed a permanent deal with AC Milan for €28 million in the summer of 2021 after impressing on a six-month loan spell with Chelsea. The Chelsea academy product has been a fixture for the Serie A side this season, and he has impressed as Milan closes in on the league title with just three games remaining.
AC Milan is unlikely to trade the defender they just signed a year ago, and it would take a hefty money to get him out of the country.
Mason Burstow becomes Chelsea first summer signing
Chelsea had already made one summer deal before the fines were levied, despite an uncertain scenario barring the pensioners from signing fresh players.
Mason Burstow, a Chelsea loanee to Charlton Athletic for 18 years, has emerged as Chelsea’s first summer signing.
“We’ve had a lot of interest in Mason, but we were only going to let him go if it was a good deal for the club,” Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard said of Burstow’s departure.
Chelsea has agreed to match our asking price, and as part of the transaction, he will return to us on loan, which was crucial for us.”
Prior to his move to Chelsea, he took to Instagram to give a message to the club’s supporters.
CHARLTON’S BURSTOW AND HIS TIME THERE
Burstow joined Chelsea in the winter transfer window after an impressive start to the season. His form has dipped since joining Chelsea, as he has been forced to start many games from the bench.
Burstow sent a message to the club’s supporters on Instagram ahead of his move to Chelsea.
Burstow’s tenure at Charlton Athletic has come to an end. The squad will be enhanced by fresh recruits once the new owners take charge.
He last featured for Charlton against Morecambe last month. Burstow’s squad was defeated 3-2 by Morecambe, despite his assisting a goal.
The contract of the teenager with Charlton will end on May 31st, and he will join Tuchel’s side for the 2022/23 season.