Arsenal hero Paul Merson doubts two Chelsea targets can replace ‘outstanding’ Antonio Rudiger

Paul Merson says Antonio Rudiger might be a ‘huge miss’ at Chelsea (Photos: Getty)

Paul Merson says Antonio Rudiger might be a ‘huge miss’ at Chelsea subsequent season and doubts Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde are appropriate replacements for the brand new Actual Madrid defender.

Rudiger accomplished his transfer to the Bernabeu on Thursday, signing a four-year deal at Actual Madrid after becoming a member of the membership on a free switch.

Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel tried to persuade Rudiger to increase his keep at Stamford Bridge however the German determined to finish his five-year affiliation with the Premier League facet.

Rudiger made greater than 200 appearances for the Blues and helped Chelsea win the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, Membership World Cup and Tremendous Cup.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson says Rudiger’s departure is a significant ‘fear’ for Chelsea going into the 2022-23 season and has questioned whether or not Koulibaly and Kounde can ‘fill his boots’.

Tuchel is eager to signal a brand new central defender to switch Rudiger and the outgoing Andreas Christensen, with Chelsea linked with strikes for Napoli star Koulibaly and Sevilla ace Kounde.

‘Antonio Rudiger’s been completely excellent for Chelsea. I can’t bear in mind him having a foul sport if I’m being trustworthy,’ Merson advised Sportskeeda.

Thomas Tuchel is eager to signal Jules Kounde from Sevilla (Image: Getty)

‘He’s been constantly sensible within the Premier League this season. Rudiger’s going to be a large miss for Thomas Tuchel subsequent season.

‘He’s going to be a tough one to switch, and I’m undecided if the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde can fill his boots. If there's a fear for Chelsea this 12 months, it’s discovering Rudiger’s substitute.’

Merson has additionally mentioned Romelu Lukaku’s future at Chelsea because the Belgian striker seeks a transfer away from Stamford Bridge this summer time.

Chelsea spent virtually £100m to signal Lukaku from Inter Milan final 12 months however the 29-year-old endured a depressing season and a transfer could profit each events.

‘Lukaku has been disappointing all season,’ Merson added. ‘He began effectively towards Arsenal and all of us thought, “Okay, right here we go!” We haven’t seen him do this once more since – he simply by no means obtained going.

‘If Chelsea can get their £100 million or anyplace close to that quantity again for him this summer time, they’ll promote him. A mortgage can be of no use to anyone – it wouldn’t assist Thomas Tuchel one bit.’

.

.