Chelsea Miss Out On RB Leipzig Defender Despite Concrete Talks Following Contract Extension

Chelsea showed an interest in signing RB Leipzig defender Marcel Halstenberg on a free transfer, but have missed out on the transfer after the German extended his deal in the Bundesliga.

The 30-year-old had an injury-hit season in Germany, making 14 apperances in total after suffering a tear in a joint capsule.

The defender, who can operate as both a left-back and on the left side of a back three, has officially extended his contract with RB Leipzig.

This comes after it was reported by Marc Behrenbeck of Sky Germany, that Halstenberg was in 'concrete talks' with Chelsea.

The defender would have been an ideal replacement for Antonio Rudiger, who has departed for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

As a natural left-sided centre defender, Halstenberg often plays in a back three at Leipzig and would have slotted in to place the La Liga-bound Rudiger.

However, despite the concrete talks, Halstenberg has committed to a two-year extension to Leipzig.

It is unclear as to who will be brought in to replace Rudiger, with a deal for Halstenberg not materialising.

Chelsea have identified 'two important' targets this summer as Thomas Tuchel looks to rebuild his defence after losing Rudiger and Andreas Christensen when their contracts expire.

Halstenberg's teammate, Josko Gvardiol, is one player who has been identified while Sevilla's Jules Kounde has been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge for over a year.

Speaking following last summer's transfer window, where Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for Kounde, Tuchel admitted that they tried to sign the 23-year-old: "It was clear we tried for Kounde and Saul (Niguez) and it was very, very late but it was a very, very smooth transfer window because I had full concentration on training and on my team."

Tuchel will be given the funds by the new consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital with around £200m set to be made available in the transfer market, with the defensive rebuild the most immediate concern as Kounde's move to Stamford Bridge appears to be back on.

Ethan Ampadu and Levi Colwill will return from their respective loan spells at Venezia and Huddersfield Town, joining Cesar Azpilicueta, Malang Sarr, Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva as the only senior defenders set to return for pre-season in July.

Therefore, Tuchel will be looking to add to his backline this summer ahead of the new season.

The Blues will be hoping to challenge at the top of the Premier League as they set their eyes on closing the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool.