Chelsea unable to shake Real Madrid off, as Presnel Kimpembe transfer doubt adds to Kounde anxiety

Chelsea have fresh competition from Real Madrid for Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe, according to a report.

The Blues made a slow start to the summer transfer window, with departures the watch word instead of arrivals. Not only did Antonio Rudiger move to Madrid, but Andreas Christensen also left for Spain, to Barcelona.

Since the subsequent arrival of Todd Boehly’s takeover, though, Chelsea have become one of the Premier League teams to watch.

Plugging the gaps in their defence left by Rudiger and Christensen is a top priority. They are looking to sign Jules Kounde, with Sevilla now setting a strict transfer deadline on that front after weeks of talks.

But Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants at least two centre-back signings. PSG’s Kimpembe is therefore another firm target and the 26-year-old is reportedly unhappy in the French capital.

Indeed, Defensa Central reports that the France international does not feel valued enough and could leave this summer.

Kimpembe’s current contract at the Parc des Princes runs out in the summer of 2024. But as it stands, it ‘does not seem’ like a much-improved extension is on the way from PSG.

Real Madrid are therefore watching Kimpembe’s situation, despite just signing Rudiger and now having a host of players at the back.

Nacho Fernandez is the current longest-serving centre-back for Los Blancos. Eder Militao, 24, and David Alaba, 30, are further options alongside new signing Rudiger.

Jesus Vallejo has also just returned from his latest loan spell away from Madrid, but his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu is unclear.

What’s more, Nacho turns 33 in January, when he will be halfway through the final year of his contract.

Nevertheless, Madrid should have more than enough to go again next season after winning the Champions League and La Liga.

Kimpembe part of solid Chelsea transfer focus

The talk around Chelsea in recent days has shifted somewhat from defensive signings to attacking signings.

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling is a prime target amid Romelu Lukaku’s impending loan return to Inter.

Reports also recently linked Chelsea with a move for Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chelsea will be working on transfers at both ends of the pitch end simultaneously, but they should make defensive signings a top priority.

Chelsea facing big summer transfer window with further problems ahead

Chelsea’s new owners want to help Thomas Tuchel bolster his centre-back ranks, but there are bigger problems coming down the track for the club.

While the futures of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner are uncertain, they are still options for Tuchel.

As it stands, Tuchel has a major hole in his defence he needs to fill and Kimpembe would be a good option.

He said earlier in June that, as he turns 27 in August, he is approaching a “decisive” period of his career and wants clarity from PSG over their plans for him.