10:05pm: Chelsea could bring in these ‘four brilliant players’ before first Premier League game against Palace
As we all know the new 2021/22 season is fast approaching, and Chelsea are yet to make their move in the summer transfer window.
However, There is much hype around Thomas Tuchel’s team ahead of the new campaign, after the Blues won the Champions League with victory over Manchester City last season.
And there is a real feeling they could be City’s closest challengers for the Premier League crown when the new season gets underway in two weeks’ time.
But the Blues supporters will be hoping to add some new names to their squad to strengthen in depth ahead of the big kick-off.
Here we take a look at four names they could sign before they start the season against London rivals Crystal Palace on August 14.
Erling Haaland: The Blues have been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland so far in this transfer window. Thomas Tuchel is determined to bring a high goalscoring striker to Stamford Bridge ahead of the new season and Haaland is the German’s number one target.
That being said Dortmund are not keen to let one of their best signings go after such an impressive time at the club. Chelsea could find up to £112m to seal the deal, which would be a huge statement of intent.
Saúl Ñíguez: Saúl Ñíguez could also be on the cards for the west London side. It has been reported that Thomas Tuchel has shown a particular interest in the 26-year-old and the Blues have been in contact with his entourage.
Ñíguez will be allowed to walk away from Atletico Madrid this summer and Chelsea are eager to get to the front of the queue for the midfielder. The midfielder is incredibly versatile and adaptable which could come in handy at Tuchel’s Chelsea. Ñíguez’s fast acceleration, strong build and physical presence are among a few of his eye-catching characteristics.
Declan Rice: It has been reported that the Blues have been looking at Declan Rice’s potential Chelsea move since last summer’s transfer window and Thomas Tuchel is particularly interested in signing the 22-year-old which would boost his options in midfield.
Chelsea are looking to offer around £60-£70 million for Rice however, West Ham are not keen to let go of the Euro 2020 finalist. However, the deal might be too good for the London rivals to refuse. Despite West Ham not being keen the Blues will not be scared to bid for the youngster. The combative and tenacious player would provide a good alternative midfield option for Tuchel.
Jules Kounde: Chelsea have opened talks with Spanish side Sevilla over the transfer of France international Jules Kounde this summer, reports claims Chelsea are reportedly offering defender Kurt Zouma in the deal for Kounde.
Previous reports had claimed that Sevilla are only willing to accept Chelsea’s offer of Zouma for Kounde if the Blues include a fee of around €45m (£38m/$53m). Sevilla value a fee close to his release clause of €80 million (£68m/$95m), and they value Zouma at around €35million.
Fresh report by the Athletic now claim that the Spanish side are more keen on a Chelsea defender who was very impressive at the Euros. Sevilla are big admirers of Andreas Christensen and would be more interested in a player-plus-cash swap deal if the Danish centre-back is included.
The Dane was a top star for his country at the Euros, and even Thomas Tuchel admitted in an interview that he was impressed by the defender’s performance.
Christensen has one year left in his contract, and Chelsea are keen on giving him a new deal. The 25-year-old impressed last season for Chelsea whenever he stood in for Thiago Silva, and it’s unclear if Chelsea would risk losing him for the signing of 22-year-old Kounde.