Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt are both considered key figures in Thomas Tuchel’s plans to rebuild his Chelsea squad, according to reports.
The Blues have lost both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger this summer on free transfers.
Christensen remains without a club despite reports heavily linking him with a move to Barcelona, while Rudiger has been officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player.
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Chelsea are going into the season with Malang Sarr, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah left as central defenders from their squad last season.
Levi Colwill and Ethan Ampadu are set to return from loan moves at Huddersfield Town and Venezia retrospectively and could earn a place in next season’s squad, however.
Colwill has been heavily linked with a potential departure from Stamford Bridge, with Southampton the latest side to be interested in the 19-year-old.
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With a lack of options in defence, Chelsea are set to sign two centre-backs this window, De Ligt of Juventus the number one target, while long-term target Jules Kounde, Ake and Kalidou Kouliably are also among those being considered.
The Juventus defender is reportedly the number one target for Chelsea this summer, with Tuchel looking to bring the 22-year-old to Stamford Bridge as part of his rebuild.
As reported by The Daily Mail, De Ligt is ‘key’ to Tuchel’s plans at Chelsea.
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The report continues to state that the German is hoping to ‘team him’ with Ake.
This is something that has been explored in the transfer window, with the pair playing together for the Netherlands national team.
It has previously been revealed that Tuchel is a ‘big fan’ of Ake, with his interest in the 27-year-old dating back to his time at Borussia Dortmund.
The Dutch international could be seen as the perfect option for the left centre-back role in Chelsea’s system, with De Ligt filling in on the right-hand side along with Thiago Silva in the centre.
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Chelsea are set to back Tuchel in the transfer market, handing him control over the incomings and outgoings.
With the German seeing the pair as ‘key’ to his plans, Chelsea could be set to make a move for the defenders.
A defensive signing will most likely be targeted after the Blues complete a move for Leeds United’s Raphinha, with a bid already accepted.
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There are set to be as many as six incomings this summer, with Chelsea ready to submit an offer to Manchester City for Raheem Sterling in the coming days before the Blues turn their attention to defensive reinforcements.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Matthijs De Ligt, Nathan Ake, Manchester City, Juventus, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms