Chelsea tipped to swoop for ace Man City couldn’t sign on one condition

Suarez.Gimenez.Atletico.TEAMtalk

Chelsea could meet Thomas Tuchel’s demands for a new centre-half by signing a La Liga superstar Man City failed to sign, claims a report.

Chelsea have been vindicated in their decision to sack Frank Lampard and replace him with Thomas Tuchel. Despite spending almost £250 million last summer, Lampard oversaw a team that persistently underperformed. In contrast, Tuchel has the Blues purring, losing just once in his opening 17 games at the helm.

Huge sums were spent last summer, but despite that, the club seem poised to give Tuchel free reign to mould the squad in his image.

A blockbuster swoop for Erling Haaland has made the headlines. Securing his services will be an uphill struggle, however, especially after his agent’s latest comments.

Another area Tuchel wishes to strengthen is at centre-half. Several names have been touted, with the latest report indicating no fewer than five Blues stars could be used as bait to lure Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

The Frenchman’s £68m target could prove troublesome. As such, online outlet Sport Witness has revealed another major name is in the club’s sights.

They report that Chelsea ‘remain in the bidding’ for Atletico Madrid stalwart Jose Gimenez.

The Uruguayan, 26, has been a tenacious and dependable performer under Diego Simeone in Spain. His sparkling displays had seen him emerge on Chelsea supremo Marina Granovskaia’s radar.

Should Chelsea make Erling Haaland their top transfer target?

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Despite his fine form for the La Liga table toppers, the report (citing El Larguero and La Razon), notes that Gimenez is one of four who will be ‘put up for sale’ this summer.

The centre-half would likely command a similar fee to that of Kounde. The Sevilla man remains their first priority. But should Atletico be willing to drop their skiing price, Gimenez could instead be targeted.

Whether Atletico would be willing to barter remains to be seen, especially after ‘rejecting an €85 million offer from Man City in the past.’

 

‘Dream’ Tuchel signing rejects new deal

Franck Kessie Spezia v AC Milan February 2021

Meanwhile, multiple Premier League clubs have been put on alert after reports surfaced that midfielder Franck Kessie has rejected AC Milan’s offer of a new contract.

According to Calciomercato, Kessie was offered a fresh deal on €3.5m per year. But he has turned it down and his future is up in the air.

Milan will not want to lose a player who cost them £21.6 million for nothing and so he may be sold. There is still time for the Italians to renegotiate with the talented schemer but they may look to cash in.

Last month, Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham were all mentioned in connection with the player. But Chelsea have also been linked, with manager Thomas Tuchel a fan.

Il Milanista reported that Tuchel ‘dreams’ of signing Milan’s Kessie. The Blues could use Fikayo Tomori as bait to sign the former Cesena loan star.

The England defender is on loan with Milan and there has been talk of making his temporary switch permanent this summer. Kessie might travel the other way as part of the deal but other clubs are sure to enter the picture.

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