Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants to see action in the transfer market and is about to get his wish with Matthijs de Ligt, Leeds’ Raphinha and Christopher Nkunku all linked with the Blues...CONTINUE READING
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and new chairman Todd Boehly are set to pick up the pace in the transfer market over the next few days.
The Blues confirmed widespread changes to the club’s board this week – and the departure of transfer negotiator Marina Granovskaia. That leaves Tuchel and Boehly in full charge of transfers and there is work to be done as Chelsea bid to fill several holes in their squad.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have already left. Romelu Lukaku is soon to join them – and Tuchel wants to strengthen his squad in multiple areas. Here, Mirror sport looks at the latest Chelsea rumours…
Talks over defender take place today
Italian media report that Juventus will hold talks with Matthijs de Ligt’s representatives today to try and convince him to stay.
De Ligt has been widely linked to Chelsea and is on Thomas Tuchel’s radar as a possible replacement for Rudiger. He currently has two years left on his contract, which has a release clause set at just over £100m.
But talks over a new deal have yet to progress far and the Dutchman wants that clause lowered significantly before putting pen to paper, potentially opening a door for Chelsea.
Nkunku move hits skids
Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku was on Chelsea’s long list of potential targets this summer but a move for him is now OFF.
The Bundesliga side announced on Thursday that Nkunku has agreed a new two-year deal to stay in Germany, disappointing a host of suitors. Chelsea looked at the player because he could play in multiple positions but will now focus on other targets instead.
And their interest in Nkunku is unlikely to end as the player has a release clause worth £51.6m in his new contract that can be activated next summer.
£33m Raphinha twist
Chelsea target Raphinha is widely believed to favour a move to Barcelona – but they cannot currently afford him and comply with strict Spanish FFP rules.
So the Blues remain an option for the Leeds forward – and CBS journalist Ben Jacobs claims Hakim Ziyech could even be offered to the club as a makeweight..
Chelsea’s £3m winger has struggled to make the kind of impact he wanted at Stamford Bridge and the club are willing to listen to offers. But would he agree to join Leeds?
