Chelsea
Premier League • England
Chelsea begin discussions with PSG for Presnel Kimpembe, as key factor gives Blues transfer advantage over Juventus
Chelsea have started talks with Paris Saint-Germain for the signing of Presnel Kimpembe and have the edge over Juventus in the race, according to a report.
Chelsea officials have finally got to work on a defensive overhaul in recent days. They have agreed a deal with Napoli for Kalidou Koulibaly, who will soon join up with the Blues’ pre-season tour of the US. According to Fabrizio Romano, the transfer will cost Chelsea £33.8m.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are also hoping to capture their former defender Nathan Ake from Manchester City.
Talks between Chelsea and City are ongoing, although a deal is likely to be agreed in the next few days. Chelsea settled on Ake and Koulibaly after Bayern Munich began closing in on their top target Matthijs de Ligt.
Kimpembe could become the third central defender to arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer.
On Wednesday, The Telegraph revealed Tuchel’s interest in signing the 26-year-old. And French outlet Foot Mercato give an update on the situation.
They claim negotiations between Chelsea and PSG have begun. Chelsea have also made contact with Kimpembe’s agent as owner Todd Boehly wants all three centre-back deals done fast.
Kimpembe made 41 appearances for PSG last season and even captained the side in Marquinhos’ absence. However, the French champions appear willing to let Kimpembe go.
Chelsea fighting off Italian suitors for Presnel Kimpembe
New boss Christophe Galtier can also rely on Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos, Thilo Kehrer and Abdou Diallo at centre-half. So even if Kimpembe is a big miss, one of these players is likely to step up.
Plus, there is always the possibility of PSG spending big money on a replacement for the Frenchman.
Foot Mercato claim Juventus are giving Chelsea competition to land Kimpembe.
Like the west London club, they have made contact with PSG and want to know how much he will cost.
This is a slight concern for Chelsea, although they remain in the driving seat. That’s because Kimpembe prefers a move to England over Italy, which makes him less likely to sign for Juve.
Kimpembe’s contract at the Parc des Princes runs for another two years. This means Chelsea will have to pay a premium fee for him.
According to reports earlier this month, Kimpembe will cost £43m. But Chelsea are unlikely to pay this much after forking out £33.8m for Koulibaly and around £40m for Ake.
Should the defensive trio sign, then they will effectively replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
They are solid successors to those two, though Rudiger will still be a huge loss. He was vital to the way Chelsea defended and then moved up from the back.
Nevertheless, the capture of Koulibaly is an impressive one, given his pedigree. Ake and Kimpembe also arriving at Stamford Bridge will give Tuchel solid options for a back three as he plans to catch up with City and Liverpool next season.
Meanwhile, rumours of a Chelsea move for Ousmane Dembele have finally come to an end following the announcement of his new Barcelona contract.