According to Matt Law, assuming that Rudiger leaves the club as expected, we could make a late attempt to bring in a new centre-back for some extra defensive solidity before loaning out Tomori for more game time.
“There’s a very high possibility that Rudiger will leave before the window ends,” he said.
“Tomori also wants to go on loan because he wants to play more regularly. Were Chelsea to get rid of Tomori and Rudiger, whether it be on loan or a permanent deal, I still wouldn’t rule out a surprise move on a centre-back if they can’t get Rice done – just to try and strengthen something while they wait on Rice.
“Chelsea are good at doing things late and doing things quickly that take us by surprise in windows. If they can’t get Rice, and they were to move on Rudiger and Tomori, I wouldn’t necessarily be surprised if a bid went in on a centre-back even before the window shuts.”
He also revealed that, to him, it is “looking unlikely” that the Blues manage to sign Rice before Monday’s deadline but warned that you should “never say never” with Chelsea at the end of transfer windows.
