Chelsea have been linked to a host of defenders as they begin to rebuild their depleted backline, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have both departed the capital club on free transfers and replacing the duo will surely be at the top of manager Thomas Tuchel’s to-do list.

What is the latest news involving Chelsea?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea are ‘genuinely interested’ in Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt, who is valued at £63m by Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, Bild reporter Christian Falk has claimed that Presnel Kimpembe of Paris Saint-Germain, who is valued at £36m, is also on Tuchel’s shortlist as he assesses his options in the market.

And Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via The Sun) state that Chelsea are willing to offer Kalidou Koulibaly, valued at £31.5m, a contract worth £8.5m a year to finally ditch Napoli.

However, the in-demand Pau Torres, who is valued at £45m, is another player believed to be on the west London outfit’s radar, with Spanish sources reporting they are one of a number of sides interested in the 25-year-old.

Romano has also disclosed that long-term target Jules Kounde is on Tuchel's radar, while the innovative tactician is also weighing up the idea of bringing Nathan Ake back to Stamford Bridge.

What has Jones said about Chelsea?

Sevilla’s Kounde and Manchester City’s Ake appear to be the first-choice targets for Chelsea at this moment in time.

Gabriel Jesus agrees terms with Arsenal?! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

Nevertheless, Jones believes it is ‘worth bearing in mind’ that the club’s hierarchy are said to be evaluating several other potential targets.

He told GiveMeSport: “It's worth bearing in mind too that Kimpembe, De Ligt, Koulibaly, Pau Torres, they've all been talked about, and others have too. So, there's a lot for Chelsea to take into account here if they rebuild the team.”

Who is the most realistic option?

Romano previously claimed that Kounde is still the ‘priority’ for Chelsea in the current window and that ‘talks are well advanced’ with the player.

Nevertheless, it seems as though little progress has been made since then as the two clubs are still locked in negotiations over a suitable price for the France international.

Kounde is said to be valued at around £65m, and with fellow admirers Barcelona now out of the running, Chelsea have a free shot at securing his signature.

It should, therefore, be a matter of when and not if the 23-year-old joins Tuchel’s defensive rebuild, although things are rarely quite that simple in football.