Given his influence on and off the pitch in south west London, acquiring a replacement could make Terry the most difficult individual the club has had to replace in the Roman Abramovich era.
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Nonetheless, we’ve taken a look at six players who could attempt to fill his acclaimed boots – take a look by viewing the slideshow above.
7. Andreas Christensen (on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach) – take a look at six other possible replacements for Terry by clicking the arrow above – With no Champions League football next season, the Blues will inevitably struggle to lure the more glamorous names in Europe to Stamford Bridge. Looking a little closer to home, therefore, could be their best option in the summer. Christensen, described as a 'gazelle' for his playing style, has been excellent on loan in the Bundesliga – so much so that reports claim Chelsea will end his two-season agreement, signed in July 2015, a year early.
6. John Stones (Everton) – Stones – as has been extensively reported – is the man Chelsea really want to replace Terry. The England international’s reputation has grown tremendously over the past two seasons and last summer the Blues were desperate to seal his signature. While he remains at the top of their wish list, however, Everton are expected to stand as firm as ever.
5. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain) – With Laurent Blanc preferring Thiago Silva and David Luiz in central defence, Marquinhos has struggled to cement a place in PSG’s starting line-up. Predictably, this has led to speculation over his long-term future at the Parc des Princes and Chelsea, according to the London Evening Standard, are monitoring his situation. The Brazilian recently told reporters he will ‘reflect’ on his next move at the end of the season.
4. Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid) – The Uruguayan has been an integral part of Diego Simeone’s formidable Atleti squad and the 30-year-old's experience could make him an excellent – if only short-term – replacement to the Blues captain. Godin is traditional in his defensive duties, making him one of few from across Europe who give the impression he could adapt quickly to the physicality of the Premier League. Not to mention he would have no problem in bringing leadership to Chelsea’s dressing room.
3. Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) – Chelsea were linked with the France international during Jose Mourinho’s second tenure at the club, with the Portuguese an admirer of the young defender from his spell at Real Madrid. Over the past few seasons, Varane has grown to become one of the most highly sought after in his position. He would be an excellent replacement to Terry, but Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane may block his exit.
2. Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao) – Laporte broke through Bilbao’s youth setup in 2012, going on to become a regular for the Liga side. Manchester United have long been credited with interest for the talented 21-year-old, but Chelsea have recently emerged as potential suitors. The Frenchman, according to reports in Spain, has a release-clause of £38m.
1. Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus) – Antonio Conte is reportedly set to take over at Chelsea in the summer and, according to the Daily Star, Bonucci is at the top of his transfer wish list. It’s claimed the Italy coach wants the 28-year-old to replace Terry and become the new commanding figure in Chelsea’s defence. Highly regarded as one of the finest in his position, Pep Guardiola even once said the Italian defender is ‘one of my favourite ever players’.
