Thomas Tuchel ‘wants PSG star Presnel Kimpembe to replace Antonio Rudiger at Chelsea’ as he begins to prepare for life without the German international
- Antonio Rudiger is out of contract at Chelsea in June and is yet to pen a new deal
- Several major clubs are keen on him, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
- With Rudiger potentially leaving, Chelsea are looking at possible replacements
- Thomas Tuchel feels Presnel Kimpembe is the right player to replace Rudiger
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants to bring in PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe to replace Antonio Rudiger at Stamford Bridge, according to reports.
Rudiger’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent months, with the German international’s contract at Chelsea set to expire at the end of the season.
A number of European clubs are reportedly interested in the centre-back, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe has emerged as a reported transfer target for Chelsea
He could replace Antonio Rudiger (above) who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge in June
Therefore, with Rudiger potentially leaving in a matter of months, Chelsea could be starting to plan ahead, and it seems that Tuchel is already targeting someone he is familiar with to add to his squad.
The 48-year-old coach is eyeing a reunion with Kimpembe, who he worked with at PSG, as reported by L’Equipe via The Sun.
The pair spent two years together in France, winning Ligue 1 twice and making the Champions League final in 2020.
PSG have opened up a commanding lead at the top of their domestic league this season, and Kimpembe has captained the side on multiple occasions.
Thomas Tuchel coached Kimpembe at PSG, and wants to work with him again in England
However, despite having more than three years remaining on his contract, the 26-year-old is believed to be keen on taking on a fresh challenge away from his homeland.
This could aid Chelsea’s pursuit of the defender as Tuchel tries to piece together his backline ahead of next season, with Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta also out of contract in the summer.
It is understood that Kimpembe is valued around £36million.
Whether PSG would be willing to let him go midway through the season remains to be seen, but Chelsea may be tempted to put a bid in to test the waters next month.
Alternatively, they could wait until the end of the campaign to see if Rudiger does depart the club before following up on their interest in Kimpembe.
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