Chelsea hope Tuchel influence will help snatch star from Barcelona grasp

Kays Ruiz-Atil TEAMtalk

Chelsea are reportedly hoping that Thomas Tuchel’s recent arrival will help them beat Barcelona to a talented PSG youngster.

The Blues were tipped last week by Foot Mercato to try and seal a free transfer deal for Kays Ruiz-Atil this summer.

The 18-year-old midfielder’s contract with the French giants expires at the end of June. To that end, the youngster is now able to speak to non French clubs about a move at the end of the season.

Ruiz-Atil’s chances of first-team game time have not improved his Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival in Paris.

Prior to that, he had been given opportunities by former PSG boss Tuchel – racking up over 180 minutes of action this term.

Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness) reported Chelsea held a meeting last year with the player’s entourage, with that interest continuing.

And with Tuchel now at Stamford Bridge, it would appear that their hopes of signing the player have increased significantly.

However, if the Blues are to get their man then they will have to beat off competition from Barcelona.

Is Thomas Tuchel a superstar coach in the making?

Is Thomas Tuchel a superstar coach in the making?

German football expert Raphael Honigstein joins David Jones, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher to discuss Thomas Tuchel’s career and what he’ll bring to Chelsea.

Ruiz-Atil was in Barca’s academy up until 2015 and AS reports that the Catalan side are eager to bring him back.

It all now depends on whether the player wants to team up with his former boss or return to his old club.


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Prem clubs given Alaba hopes

David Alaba has confirmed the inevitable by announcing his departure from Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Alaba has spent the vast majority of his career with Bayern, becoming one of the most decorated footballers on the planet.

The defender has won 24 trophies with Bayern since making his senior debut as a 17-year-old in 2010.

Now 28, Alaba is in his prime and was a key part of Bayern’s Champions League success last season. But his time in Munich is coming to an end.

Alaba is in the final six months of his contract with Bayern. It has long since been known that there was no intention for him to renew his deal.

Instead, the Austria international is seeking a new challenge. With his services available for free, there will be plenty of interest in his signature.

Now, he has explained his decision to leave Bayern for pastures new. Read more…