THREE world-class Centre backs that Chelsea are interested in signing ahead of summer transfer window
According to The Athletic‘s Chelsea correspondent Simon Johnson, Chelsea have made signing a new centre-back a top priority ahead of the summer transfer window.
The former Evening Standard journalist, who is usually pretty reliable when it comes to the Blues, claims manager Thomas Tuchel is already drawing up his transfer plans.
The German wants a dominant centre-half who can be a commanding presence at the back. Even though the London club already have a number of options in that position, it appears another defender will be brought in.
Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich): The 25-year-old’s contract at Bayern Munich will have twelve months to run in the summer and the Bundesliga side have yet to agree a new deal with the German international.
At 6ft 4in tall, Sule certainly has a physical presence and Tuchel will no doubt be very familiar with the centre-back, having followed the player’s progress as a fellow countryman.
Ibrahima Konate (RB Leipzig): With Dayot Upamecano having decided to join Bayern in the summer, attention has switched to his club teammate. As well as Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been linked with the Frenchman over the past year.
Konate has had his fair share of injuries this season, so Chelsea’s recruitment team will have to take that factor into account, but the 21-year-old is seen by many as being, at least, equal to Upamecano.
Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid): Chelsea have been after the Uruguayan international for the last five years. There was reportedly interest in the defender from both the Blues and Manchester City last summer but Atletico turned down interest, telling clubs to trigger his €120m release clause.
However, circumstances have changed since then. Gimenez has spent a large portion of the season on the sidelines with muscular injuries and he is no longer seen as indispensable, despite the fact that manager Diego Simeone still plays him regularly when he is fit. Whether he would be worth the outlay, though, considering his fitness record, it is up for debate.