Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel "really likes" Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe, says transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Blues are in desperate need of some new centre-backs this summer, and Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that the Frenchman is one to keep an eye on.
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What is the latest news involving Kimpembe?
According to German journalist Christian Falk, Chelsea have Kimpembe on a list of defensive targets.
The west London club are also believed to have Sevilla's Jules Kounde and Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt on their radar as they look to bring in a couple of new central defenders this transfer window.
Strengthening at the back is a priority for Tuchel, with the German losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers.
And it now looks like he could move for Kimpembe, a player he knows well after managing him at PSG.
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What has Jones said about Kimpembe and Chelsea?
Jones has told GMS that Tuchel is a big fan of Kimpembe and could try to sign him this summer after being given special permission by the new Chelsea regime to target players that he personally likes.
The transfer insider said: "Tuchel really likes him and he's made it clear to the recruiters that that's the case. And Tuchel is getting special permission this summer to go and get the players he likes, so probably one to watch out for at this moment in time just in case - an interesting one."
Would Kimpembe be a good signing for Chelsea?
He has all the makings of one. Being left-footed, he would be a perfect replacement for Rudiger on the left side of the Blues' back three.
And again, he is someone Tuchel knows a lot about, with the 26-year-old playing 80 times under his former manager.
In terms of what he would bring to the team, Kimpembe is a ball-playing defender who would help Chelsea to play out from the back.
As per FBref, the £36m-rated France international was in the 99th percentile for pass completion and the 87th for progressive carries among centre-halves over the last year, showing his ability in possession.
Ultimately, Kimpembe would be a very logical signing for Chelsea to make. Unfortunately for the Premier League outfit, though, PSG do not sell their best players, so this could be a tricky deal to pull off. If they can do it, however, you suspect that Tuchel will be more than happy.