Chelsea 'looking at AC Milan captain and left-footed centre-back Alessio Romagnoli on a free transfer' as Thomas Tuchel prepares for a defender exodus this summer

• Chelsea FC are interested in signing AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli  
• Tuchel is looking to fill the void left by Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen
• Romagnoli's contract at the San Siro will expire ahead of the summer window
• But, Chelsea will have to fend off interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich

Chelsea have registered an interest in signing AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli during the summer transfer window, according to reports. 

Thomas Tuchel is looking to fill the void left by Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen - who are both leaving Stamford Bridge on a free transfer to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

The club's current financial issues, given to the sanctions against current owner Roman Abramovich, had prevented the Blues from negotiating new contracts with these players.  

Chelsea will face stiff competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich for Romagnoli's signature this summer, however, as they target some much-needed reinforcements.  

Tuchel is eager to add to his Chelsea squad after a handful of first team players confirmed their exit this summer. 

Rudiger is out of contract this summer and has signed a four-year deal with Real Madrid - where he will earn £315,000-per-week.

Meanwhile, Christensen will leave Chelsea at the end of the season to join LaLiga giants Barcelona for the 2022-2023 campaign. 

Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are also entering the final stages of their contracts and could look to join Christensen at Barcelona. 

Azpilicueta has had a one-year extension in his contract triggered, but that has not guaranteed his future at the Bridge.  

Therefore, according to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are looking to sign AC Milan defender Romagnoli as a potential replacement. 

However, the Milan captain will be hot property this summer as his contract at the San Siro is due to expire ahead of the transfer window. 

As a result, Chelsea will have to fend off interest from LaLiga giants Barcelona and Julen Lopetegui's Sevilla side. 

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested in Romagnoli's services this summer. 

Romagnoli has been a standout performer for AC Milan over the years. However, the 27-year-old has endured an injury-hit season this time around. 

He has only started 16 games in the Italian top-flight during this campaign - with the likes of Chelsea youngster Fikayo Tomori stepping in to cover him. 

The Italian has not featured in Serie A since February, remaining on the bench for their last four fixtures. 

Milan's final game of the season is away at Sassuolo on Sunday. Victory will confirm Stefano Pioli's men as champions.