Chelsea target Presnel Kimpembe asks PSG to let him explore his options. (EP/Panoramic PUBLICATION)
According to French outlet L’Equipe (h/t The Sun), Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is interested in signing PSG centre-back Presnel Kimpembe this summer. Tuchel is said to be pushing his side to make a bid for the French international.
Tuchel had managed Kimpembe when he was manager of Paris Saint-Germain. It is said that the German tactician is a big fan of the French centre-back and is now planning a reunion at Stamford Bridge. The 26-year-old defender has two years left in his current contract and recent talks with management have not gone well so far.
A PSG youth academy graduate, Kimpembe was promoted to the senior team in 2015. Since then, he has gone and established himself as a regular starter for the French side and also has cemented his place in the French national team. However, he is not to come cheap as PSG have slapped a £51 million fee for him.
The French international made 30 league appearances last season, as he helped his side clinch the League 1 title. It was Kimpembe’s sixth league title in the French capital. If Tuchel has his way, it could prove to be his last for the foreseeable future.
Chelsea are currently going through a squad overhaul. Key defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have departed, leaving Thiago Silva as the only senior option at centre-back for Chelsea. The defence is in desperate need of reinforcements and Tuchel is well aware of it.
Kimpembe would be a good fit in the Chelsea squad for quite a few reasons. A left-footed centre-back, the 26-year-old could be the natural replacement for Rudiger at the left side of the back three. He has also played under Tuchel before and is aware of the tactics and demands made by the German. This could allow him to settle down faster at Cobham.
Also, apart from the coach, he could be reunited with his former defensive partner, Thiago Silva. PSG meanwhile are said to be open to selling the centre-back and are eyeing Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar as his replacement.
The Blues too have been linked with Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake, indicating that a multi-pronged effort is being made to bring in central defenders this summer. They are facing competition from German giants Bayern Munich for the signature of de Ligt while interest in Kounde hasn’t really led anywhere yet.
With Chelsea yet to make a signing this summer, it is turning into a frustrating time for the Blues fans. They are waiting for their club to announce some players unlike rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal who have been very active in the market so far.
It remains to be seen who will be the first signing of the new era at Chelsea. But Tuchel and management will know that if they don’t hurry now, it could hamper their first few opening games of the season.
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