Chelsea are not resting on their laurels following the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly, with the West London club identifying Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe as their next target, According to Fabrizio Romano.
The Parisians are looking for a fee of around £50-55 million, with Chelsea only thought to be willing to pay £40 million – but talks between the clubs are set to continue with PSG thought to be willing to let the French defender leave if they receive the right offer.
Presnel Kimpembe: Chelsea Identify the French Defender as Their Next Target
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are in direct talks for Presnel Kimpembé deal. Initial request around €60/65m but Chelsea are prepared to submit €45/50m proposal. Work in progress. 🔵 #CFC
PSG consider Kimpembé part of the project – but he can leave in case of good proposal. pic.twitter.com/7pcV6YWD3q
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2022
Paris Saint-Germain Defender to Bolster the Blues
Chelsea have lost Antionio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer, with Cesar Azpilicueta set to follow them through the Stamford Bridge exit door. Therefore, Thomas Tuchel has identified French international Kimpembe as a priority in replenishing his depleted backline.
Chelsea have been linked with Matthijs de Ligt, Jules Kounde and Nathan Ake this summer but Kimpembe has seemingly jumped to the top of Tuchel’s list with him being familiar with the French defender from his time managing PSG. Despite being a product of the PSG youth set up, it is thought he could be tempted to link up with his former manager.
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French Defender to Bolster Chelsea
Tuchel has identified the defence as a vital area needing reinforcements following some notable departures this summer, with Kimpembe seen by many as a more refined replacement for Rudiger. He is superb at anticipating danger and at intercepting dangerous passes much like the German done consistently under Tuchel.
The French international covers ground very well, which enables him to recover and stop dangerous attacks when needed, which could be a vital weapon for a Chelsea team that likes to dominate possession. His positioning in closing down shooting angles is also one of his best assets, making him very hard to beat in one v one situations when an opposition attacker is trying to shoot.
Kimpembe plays with a desire and will to win that Tuchel undoubtedly wants to instal at Chelsea. In addition to his excellent tackling, he is also comfortable on the ball, showing a great ability to play accurate passes to his teammates in midfield which would be a vital weapon for Chelsea.
