Chelsea ‘are looking at’ Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe alongside several other targets after agreeing a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly on Wednesday, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a surprise move away from his boyhood club in recent weeks and could be forced to seek a new challenge ahead of next season.
What is the latest news involving Kimpembe?
French outlet L’Equipe (via The Sun) claim that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is ‘pushing’ the club’s hierarchy to make a bid for Kimpembe.
The centre-back made 80 appearances in all competitions under Tuchel’s watchful eye during their time together at the Parc des Princes, claiming several pieces of silverware along the way.
And the duo could be reunited in west London as PSG’s new sporting director Luis Campos reportedly believes now is the right time to cash in on Kimpembe.
It’s claimed that Campos is willing to sacrifice the France international in order to bring in Milan Skiniar from Inter Milan and will demand at least £51 million to sanction his sale.
Kimpembe has two years remaining on his current contract and admitted earlier this summer that he would discuss his future with new manager Christophe Galtier.
What has Jones said about Kimpembe?
Chelsea are known to be in the market for central defenders due to the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
The likes of Dayot Upemacano, Kalidou Koulibaly and Gleison Bremer are also said to be on the capital club’s radar, and Jones believes they are all ‘of a similar level.’
He told GiveMeSport: “I don't think Upamecano has been at his top level, necessarily, at Bayern, but maybe Tuchel can see something that he can work on there.
“I think it's worth remembering, too, that Chelsea are looking at other defenders like Kimpembe at PSG and a few others too at the moment. So, they are all of a similar level to be honest.”
Would Kimpembe be a good signing?
Last season Kimpembe made 41 appearances across all competitions as PSG reclaimed their Ligue 1 title, ending LOSC Lille’s short reign as French champions.
As per FBref, the 6 foot ace ranked in the 99th percentile for pass completion, 92nd for attempted passes and 87th for progressive carries amongst fellow central defenders over the last year.
Kimpembe would be linking back up with Tuchel if he made the switch to Stamford Bridge, a tactician who has previously extracted his best form, and it’s a combination that could prove extremely fruitful for Chelsea.