Paul Merson said Antonio Rudiger would be a “big mistake” at Chelsea next season and doesn’t think Caridu Courierbury and Jules Conde are good replacements for Real Madrid’s new defenders.
Rudiger completed his transfer to the Bernabéu on Thursday and signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid after joining the club for free.
Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel tried to persuade Rudiger to continue his stay at Stamford Bridge, but the Germans decided to end his five-year relationship with the Premier League side.
Rudiger has played in the blues over 200 times, helping Chelsea win the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, Club World Cup and Super Cup.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson said Rudiger’s departure was a big “concern” for Chelsea’s 2022-23 season, questioning whether Kouribley and Koundé could “fill their boots”.
Tuhel wants to sign a new central defender to replace Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Chelsea, for its part, is associated with the transfer of the Napoli, Couribury and Sevilla star to As.
“Antonio Rudiger was absolutely outstanding for Chelsea. I don’t remember him playing badly to be honest,” Merson told Sports Keeda.
“He is consistently a great player in the Premier League this season. Rudiger will be a big mistake for Thomas Tuchel next season.”
His replacement is difficult and I’m not sure if Calidu Coulibaly, Jules Kund and others can fit his boots. If Chelsea’s concern this year is to find an alternative to Rudiger.
Merson also spoke about Lukaku’s future at Chelsea, as the Belgian striker is leaving Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea spent nearly $100m on a deal with Lukaku from Inter Milan last year, but Chelsea, 29, are having a terrible season and the move could benefit both parties.
“Lukaku is frustrated throughout the season,” added Merson. He started playing against Arsenal and we all thought: “OK, here I am!”. I haven’t seen him do that since. He has never been.
If Chelsea can give him back the 100 meters or so this summer, they will sell him. Loans don’t help anyone, they don’t help Thomas Tuchel at all.
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Source: Metro
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