Chelsea have been dealt another transfer blow this summer as they are set to lose out on defensive target Jonathan Clauss, according to reports.
The Blues will be looking to sign new defenders in the summer transfer market after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta could also be leaving in the coming weeks, with the Spaniard being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona since the start of the year.
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His contract in west London was due to expire this summer but an extra year was triggered in his deal due to the 32-year-old playing a certain number of games this season.
If he was to leave this summer then Reece James would be the club’s only senior natural option for the right wing-back position, hence why the club may be keen to bring another player in.
Clauss emerged as one of their targets for the summer, but it now appears as though they may soon lose out on the 29-year-old.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Olympique Marseille are ready to make an opening bid for the Frenchman, and talks between them and Lens are said to be ongoing.
It was revealed in June that Chelsea hold a strong interest in the defender, who scored five goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions last season.
He will not extend his contract at Lens this summer and Chelsea were eyeing a move for him in the coming weeks, with the defender being valued at €10 million.
However it now seems that the Blues could lose out on one of their targets, with Marseille in talks for the French international.
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It was thought that such a move for Tuchel’s side would see Clauss emerge as a replacement for Azpilicueta, who could leave the club after ten years at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Despite there being heavy interest from Barcelona in a move Azpilicueta is not thought to be close to signing for the club, and has been included in the squad list for Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the USA.
They will face Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal on their travels across the pond, before playing Udinese in Italy when they return.
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The likes of Conor Gallagher and Levi Colwill have also been included in the squad after their impressive loan spells at Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town respectively.
Armando Broja is also believed to be joining his teammates next week.
Topics: Jonathan Clauss, Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
Robert Calcutt