Chelsea’s alternative targets for the centre-back positions have been revealed as Jules Kounde approaches a move to Barcelona.
One of the Blues’ aims for the summer has been to recruit new defensive options amid the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, as well as Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso’s potential exits.
They have so far brought in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, with the Senegal international signing a four-year deal in a transfer worth around £34 million.
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However, it is thought that Thomas Tuchel wants to sign at least one more centre-back ahead of the new campaign in order to bolster his backline.
Since the start of the window, they have been linked with a move for Sevilla’s Kounde, with their interest in the 23-year-old stretching back as far as last summer.
A move was thought to be close, but they are currently in a transfer battle for the Frenchman with Barcelona, with previous reports saying that the La Liga giants have had a total £51 million fee agreed.
Although personal terms between Kounde and Chelsea are not thought to be an issue, a move to Stamford Bridge is no longer a certainty, with Barcelona reviving their interest when it seemed as though they had pulled out of the race.
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Miguel Delaney has said that Kounde has been ‘willing’ to join the Blues and they have ‘the principles of a deal done’, but the Camp Nou is his preferred option this summer.
Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Barcelona are getting closer to signing Kounde and are working on a final bid, with Chelsea said to be tired of waiting and ready to explore other options if a green light doesn't arrive soon.
As a result, they may have to soon work on bringing in alternative options should they fail to sign one of their top targets.
The Evening Standard are reporting that Milan Skriniar is a potential name for Tuchel’s side this summer, but there is belief that they would have to battle with Paris-Saint Germain for his signature.
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Presnel Kimpembe, who currently plays for the Ligue 1 Champions, is another target for Chelsea and one that has been the subject of speculation since the early days of the window.
He previously worked under Tuchel at the Parc des Princes, but the French international is ‘reluctant’ to leave the club.
Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig is another potential acquisition for the World Champions, although the Bundesliga outfit are not believed to be willing to sell him.
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Although new signings have come through the doors at Chelsea, Tuchel has raised his concerns over how prepared they are for the new season considering their performances in pre-season.
They haven’t won the Premier League title since 2017 and the German boss does not think they are yet able to catch up with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
After their 4-0 loss to Arsenal he said: "Given our last two weeks, our game today, we should not mention the two teams in front of us.
“We got absolutely beaten by a team that does not play Champions League football next season and finished behind us. But at the moment, they seem far ahead of us."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Jules Kounde, Chelsea, Barcelona, Josko Gvardiol