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Thomas Tuchel’s role in Chelsea’s pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly has been revealed.
The 31-year-old is looking increasingly like signing for Chelsea this summer as they look for defensive reinforcements.
The Blues have lost both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer, both departing on free transfers.
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Cesar Azpilicueta could also be set for a departure, with the 32-year-old club captain interesting Barcelona this summer.
However, Tuchel is keen to get replacements in before allowing the Spaniard to depart in the transfer window.
It appears that one of these replacements is closing in on a move to Chelsea, with Koulibaly having accepted personal terms with the London side.
The report stated that he has been offered £8 million-a-year to join Tuchel’s side as a transfer for the 31-year-old edges closer.
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Chelsea are set to bid close to his €40 million valuation as Napoli hope to sell to the Blues rather than Serie A rivals Juventus.
As quoted by Romain Collet-Gaudin, Koulibaly hinted at a move to Stamford Bridge coming close.
He admitted: "I'll confirm that later, but it's on the right track.”
Tuchel will be pleased to bring in the defender as the Blues begin their pre-season tour in America, with his role in the transfer being revealed.
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According to Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard, Tuchel is ‘driving and pushing’ the interest for Chelsea to sign Koulibaly.
Chelsea were historically linked with the 31-year-old, who is finally available after previously being priced out of a move from Napoli.
With just a year left on his deal, the Serie A side are prepared to allow him to leave as he looks set for a Premier League move.
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The Blues remain interested in Nathan Ake of Manchester City as Tuchel eyes more than one central defensive reinforcement during the summer window.
Koulibaly’s national teammate Edouard Mendy hinted at the signing, admitting that he is happy with who the Blues are bringing in to be part of the backline this season.
“We were happy with Toni, with Christensen, but I think we are more than happy with the defenders who will arrive for us,” he said.
It appears that Ake will join Koulibaly, with the pair hoping to link up with their new teammates in America.
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Chelsea are hopeful of signing the defender by the end of the week as Tuchel assembles his squad, having been given authority over the transfer window under the new ownership.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Thomas Tuchel, Kalidou Koulibaly, Napoli, Transfers, Football