Chelsea transfer news and rumours: Tchouameni interest, Lukaku latest, Digne insight; January gossip

Chelsea could be major players in the January transfer window with a number of stars tipped as outgoings and incomings.

Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are all out of contract in the summer, prompting the club to try and push ahead with new deals for the defenders or potentially a hasty cash-in.

In terms of incomings, it is set to be relatively quiet but Ben Chilwell’s injury at left-back could open a spot for Lucas Digne to be signed or Emerson Palmieri to return from a loan at Lyon.

France international Aurelien Tchoumanei is also being monitored as a long-term target and, of course, there is the latest Romelu Lukaku news to contend with.

Here are the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip...

Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku had put his Chelsea future in doubt after airing his frustrations with the club in an interview released before the game against Liverpool.

Dropped for that match, Tottenham were linked with a shock move for the Belgian, who has since publicly apologised.

Thomas Tuchel has outlined plans to discipline the striker internally, which is set to be a fine, but has welcomed him back into the team with open arms in a bid to put the episode behind them.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Monaco has welcomed some new visitors lately in the form of Chelsea scouts, who are reportedly running an “in-depth” look at midfielder Tchouameni ahead of a possible bid.

The 21-year-old is said by Goal to be a long-term target for the Blues, having also been linked with Arsenal.

Chelsea are not only delving into Tchouameni’s on-pitch record but also factors including his attitude and personal life, before launching a move either this month or in the summer.

Lucas Digne

Despite links with a move to either West Ham or Newcastle United, Everton’s Lucas Digne reportedly favours a move to Chelsea this month.

It, however, remains to be seen whether or not the European champions will act this moth.

Emerson Palmieri

With Chilwell out for the season, Chelsea are looking into their left-back options and recalling Italy international Emerson from Lyon has been discussed by the club.

However, Le10Sport claim a recall approach by the English side has been rejected by their French counterparts.

Everton defender Lucas Digne is touted as another option but Newcastle and West Ham are named as also wanting the set-piece specialist.

Antonio Rudiger

Real Madrid, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all been tipped to hold talks with the defender over a free transfer in the summer, which can be pre-agreed in January.

However, Madrid are said by Marca to have pulled out of the running after initial contact with his entourage.

Rudiger’s wage demands top £200,000-a-week, it is claimed, leaving Los Blancos content with their current stock of centre-backs.

Cesar Azpilicueta

The thought of Azpilicueta leaving Chelsea may be unpalatable for fans but the reality is he has still not signed on the dotted line of a contract extension.

That has allowed both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to consider moves, with Mundo Deportivo naming Atleti as very interested in the Spaniard replacing the Newcastle-bound Kieran Trippier.

Diego Simeone is described as a big fan of Azpilicueta, the Argentine believing he would fit his style perfectly, with a decision expected from the player in the coming days.

Andreas Christensen

Barcelona are also rumoured to be tracking Danish defender Christensen.

A nod towards his future potentially came when he signed up with new representatives KIN Agency, who are run by Lionel Messi’s brother Rodrigo and reportedly harbour ties to the Camp Nou.

Talks between the 25-year-old and Chelsea are said to be stalling ahead of his deal winding down.