Here is your Chelsea morning digest on Friday, December 17.
Rudiger eyes Madrid
According to SportBILD, via teamtalk, Rudiger has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.
Los Blancos see the possibility of a free transfer as one that cannot be missed.
As a consequence, the report states that they're ready to submit an approach for him from January 1, when he is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement.
Chelsea's Covid concern
football.london understands at least four Chelsea players tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of last night's Premier League game against Everton.
The confirmed cases came within 24 hours of preparations for the clash with the Toffees.
Tuchel spoke on Wednesday at his pre-match press conference about the risks players and staff face. At that point, only Mateo Kovacic was ruled out of the clash with Everton having returned a positive test last week.
"You cannot control it. If we think we control these things then maybe it's the first step in the wrong direction," the German said.
Read the full story here.
Monaco warning over Tchouameni
Chelsea are among the clubs interested in signing Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni, but Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell warns that the French starlet costs as much as the 'Grand Casino.’
“He is a complete midfielder, very fast and physically strong, he reminds me of Steven Gerrard,” Mitchell told Tuttosport, via Football Italia.
“He is already a top player despite being only 22, but if we want to become a top club, then we should not sell him. We are an ambitious club. Everyone, from President Rybolovlev to coach Niko Kovac is ambitious here.
“However, we’ll assess the situation at the end of the season. The player is under contract until 2024 and his transfer value is the one of a top player.
“Everything is expensive in Monte Carlo, let’s say that Tchouameni is as expensive as the Grand Casino.”
Read more here.
