Chelsea
Premier League • England
‘Dream’ Chelsea transfer revealed by Fabrizio Romano, as guru details more realistic signing
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the ‘dream’ centre-back signing for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea, in addition to a more realistic option.
Chelsea run the risk of losing several key defenders in the summer. Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all have contracts which expire on June 30.
The Blues have begun renewal discussions with all three stars, although they are yet to result in any conclusion.
Rudiger is attracting interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Christensen and Azpilicueta, meanwhile, are both on Barcelona’s shortlist.
The defensive uncertainty means new players could be targeted by Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.
According a recent report from the Daily Mirror, Adama Webster of Brighton may be signed to bolster Tuchel’s backline. But Romano now details two more impressive signings for the recent Club World Cup winners.
He claims Chelsea’s ‘dream’ capture is that of PSG skipper Marquinhos. The Brazil international, 27, has been one of the best central defenders in world football over the past five years.
Blues to miss out on statement capture
Clearly, he would be a statement signing for Granovskaia and Chelsea, but Romano states the French club will not be selling him.
As such, the Blues ‘will insist’ on landing Jules Kounde from Sevilla instead. He has been on their radar for some time and could finally move to Stamford Bridge this year.
23-year-old Kounde is a more attainable target than Marquinhos as he has a release clause in his contract. It stands at £77million, as per 90Min.
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Chelsea’s constant pressure to sign him is also forcing the La Liga outfit into action. Romano claims they are ‘exploring the market’ in case the France international moves on later this year.
They are analysing players in Serie A to replace Kounde’s influence on the team, although such stars remain unnamed right now.
Sevilla could endure a calamitous summer as fellow centre-back Diego Carlos is a target for Newcastle, too.
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Chelsea have Mason Mount concern
Meanwhile, Mason Mount is facing a race to return from an ankle injury in time for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, according to a report.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season so far for the Blues. He has notched seven goals and six assists in 21 Premier League games. While he has not contributed directly to a goal since a 1-1 draw with Everton in December, he has proved a key player.
Indeed, he made his mark in Chelsea’s triumphant Club World Club campaign. After coming on as a substitute in the semi-final win over Al-Hilal, he started Saturday’s final against Palmeiras.
However, he came off after 31 minutes of the Blues’ eventual 2-1 win in extra timefollowing an ankle injury.
According to The Athletic, Mount’s injury does not look as bad as boss Thomas Tuchel and his staff feared.
Nevertheless, the 26-cap England international faces two weeks out of action.
As a result, he will miss Chelsea’s Premier League clash away to Crystal Palace on Saturday. He will also be absent for next Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg tie against Lille.
But Chelsea will also be fearing Mount missing out on next Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, the most immediate chance for the Blues to win silverware this season.
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