Chelsea target Presnel Kimpembe asks PSG to let him explore his options
Chelsea target Presnel Kimpembe may have provided Thomas Tuchel with the boost he needed this week after asking Paris Saint-Germain to allow him to explore his options.
According to the Sunday Times (subscription required) [h/t The Sun], Kimpembe made the request to the Ligue 1 champions and has even held talks with Chelsea. The Blues need to sign one more centre-back after having secured the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly.
Coming through the Paris Saint-Germain youth ranks, Kimpembe has had a glorious career till now. The 26-year-old has won 20 trophies with the Parisian club and has also won the World Cup and Nations League Cup with France.
But the Blues are not the only ones interested in the Frenchman. Juventus could provide a tough competition to Chelsea as they seek to replace Matthijs de Ligt. PSG are said to be open to offers of around £60 million for the centre-back.
Tuchel is not left with many options at the back. Having lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, the Blues are also facing a tough time in the market. Jules Kounde’s deal could collapse with Barcelona making a last-ditch effort to hijack the transfer.
Eder Militao was another target, but he recently extended his contract at Real Madrid and has a whooping release clause of £425 million. This leaves Kimpembe as one of the few remaining targets left on Chelsea’s radar.
Tuchel and the Frenchman are no strangers with the German tactician having coached the player during his time at the Parc des Princes. Together, they reached the finals of the Champions League but fell to Bayern Munich in the showpiece event. Now a reunion is looking likely and it could be a welcome one.
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However, that will not happen easily. Juventus are said to be in the fray for the player and could provide tough competition. But given the limited options available, Chelsea will have to play their cards right if they want to bring the player to Stamford Bridge.
