The reports that Chelsea are attempting to hijack Paris Saint-Germain’s deal for RB Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele have been rubbished.
The 24-year-old is a natural in several positions, previously playing at both right wing-back and centre back for the Bundesliga club.
The Blues have been in the market for defensive reinforcements since Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departed the club in the summer, leaving on frees at the end of their contracts.
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Kalidou Koulibaly has already arrived from Napoli for a fee of £34 million, while Thomas Tuchel is keen to bring in further reinforcements.
Former Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt was thought to be the primary target for the Blues, but opted to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Furthermore, Chelsea were in negotiations with Manchester City over a move for Nathan Ake but refused to meet the £50 million valuation of the 27-year-old.
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Jules Kounde is the latest name to be linked with a move, however it now appears that a deal is off as Barcelona close in on hijacking the deal for the Sevilla defender.
Chelsea were later linked with a hijacking of their own, after previously seeing a deal for Leeds United star Raphinha hijacked by Barcelona.
As reported by Santi Aouna, Chelsea were trying to hijack a deal between PSG and RB Leipzig for Mukiele.
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The Blues were keen to include Timo Werner in a deal as they look to move on their striker this summer.
However, it was later revealed by Sky Germany that the defender was about to complete his deal to sign for the Ligue 1 champions PSG.
The news that Chelsea were attempting to hijack a deal was ‘not true’ as it was ‘simply too late’ for the Blues to make an attempt to sign the defender.
Therefore, Tuchel’s side must eye up alternatives in the transfer window as they look to reinforce their defence.
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It was reported that Josko Gvardiol, Milan Skriniar and Presnel Kimpembe have been eyed up as other targets for Chelsea.
However, the trio may not be available this summer as Chelsea scramble to make signings in the summer.
As things stand, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah, Kalidou Koulibaly, Malang Sarr, Ethan Ampadu and Levi Colwill are Chelsea’s central defensive options going into the season.
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With the Premier League season starting in less than two weeks, the Blues will have to move fast if they are to bring in further additions to Tuchel’s squad.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, RB Leipzig, Paris Saint-Germain, Football, Thomas Tuchel, Transfers
Nick Emms