PSG centre-half Presnel Kimpembe Credit: PA Images
Chelsea are ready to splash the cash on a new-look defence, with PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe topping Thomas Tuchel’s shortlist to join another major name, per a report.
The Blues’ defence next season could look unrecogniseable to the one Thomas Tuchel finished the last campaign with. Antonio Rudiger will join Real Madrid, while Andreas Christensen is on course to join Barcelona.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso could also both depart. The pair have been heavily linked with Barcelona.
As such, and with Chelsea’s takeover now completed, plans are being formulated to revitalise Tuchel’s backline.
The name most commonly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge to fill the void is Jules Kounde.
The Sevilla centre-half, 23, was a target for Chelsea in each of the last two transfer windows. However, Sevilla’s strong bargaining position, combined with the presence of a high release clause, resulted in the Blues missing out.
Yet fast forward to the present day and Sky Sports state a move could be wrapped up very shortly.
They report Chelsea have a verbal agreement with Kounde already in place, presumably over personal terms. But even better news for Blues fans is the claim Sevilla are eyeing a quick sale to help them balance the books before June 30.
With both clubs and the player seemingly pushing in the same direction this time round, a transfer seems highly likely.
PSG ace to follow Kounde?
The business won’t end there, however, with the article mentioning three more names on Chelsea’s radar.
PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe, 26, is deemed Tuchel’s preferred option of the three. The others named are RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and Atletico Madrid stalwart, Jose Gimenez.
Tuchel managed Kimpembe during his time in Paris, perhaps explaining why he is the German’s priority option.
Additionally, Kimpembe is left-footed and would slot straight in to the position Rudiger vacates on the left side of the back three.
Also on Chelsea’s radar is a new midfielder. Sky list Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouamani and PSV Eindhoven’s Ibrahim Sangare as options. Both players have also been mentioned alongside moves to Liverpool too.
Story continues
Kimpembe worth his weight in gold?
The right-footed Rudiger has performed miracles operating on the left side of a back three. It should never be understated just how superb of a job the German did on the wrong side of the rear-guard.
To think another right-footer would be able to perform just as well is fanciful. As such, signing the left-footed Kimpembe makes all the sense in the world.
Alternative left-footed targets include Pau Torres. However, the Spaniard is also on Man Utd’s radar and Kimpembe is known to Tuchel already.
A starting back three of Jules Kounde, Thiago Silva and Presnel Kimpembe looks formidable on paper.
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