THE BLUES head identified their prefered choice to replace defender Antonio Rudiger should the German leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

For the whole season, Chelsea have been attempting to tie down Rudiger to a new contract but have failed with two contract offers.

Although there is still some hope that the 29-year-old will sign a new deal, Thomas Tuchel has drawn up contingency plans should he leave.

According to Sport Witness, the club's top target to replace Rudiger is Barcelona star Ronald Araujo.

The report has even suggested that Thomas Tuchel's side have "already made an approach" and that they are willing to offer the defender more than double what Barcelona have.

The Uruguayan has impressed this term at the heart of the Catalan club's defence and has become one of the side's best players.

Araujo, like Rudiger, is subject to contract discussions from his club as his contract is set to expire at the end of the 2023 season.

This means that if Barcelona cannot tie the 22-year-old down to a new deal they could risk losing him for free at the end of next season.

Chelsea however could tempt Barcelona into a sale in the summer as they cannot afford to lose out on the money due to their current financial crisis.

The Blues will face competition for the defender as Manchester United are also interested in the player's signature.

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