Romano: Chelsea in “direct talks” with Ligue 1 giants for star defender

Transfer News: Chelsea in talks with Paris Saint-Germain for Presnel Kimpembe

According to the ever-reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano via Twitter, Chelsea are said to be in direct contact with Paris Saint-Germain for defender Presnel Kimpembe. PSG consider him part of their next season project but will allow him to leave if a good proposal arrives.

Chelsea are in dire need to fix their backline after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. Kalidou Koulibaly has been signed from Napoli to help with the issue, but they need another.

Kimpembe, who has previously worked under Thomas Tuchel when the German was in charge of PSG, has been identified as a potential target. Tuchel will be keen to reunite with his former player knowing how good the defender is. Romano says that PSG are expecting €60-65 million for him while Chelsea are prepared to submit around €45-50 million for the French centre-back.

A PSG youth academy graduate, Kimpembe was promoted to the senior team in 2015. Since then he has gone from strength to strength every season, establishing himself as one of the best centre-backs in the French League. The 26-year-old made 30 league appearances last season as he helped his side win the League 1 title.

The World Cup winner has previously worked under Tuchel from 2018 to 2020. Together they won six trophies and PSG ended up runners-up in the Champions League during the 2019/20 season. He is very well aware of Tuchel’s demands and tactics and would make a very good signing for the Blues.

Meanwhile, Tuchel too will be happy to have him in his team as he will be fully aware of the player’s strengths and weaknesses and could use him as such. Having a familiar face in Tuchel will allow the player to settle in faster and better and he could be up and running in no time.

Should he arrive, he would no doubt be an excellent signing for the Blues. A commanding figure at the back, he has amassed huge playing experience and could help Chelsea win games. At just 26 years old, he could also potentially play his prime years at Stamford Bridge.

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It remains to be seen what happens. Given the demands of PSG, they will most likely not make it easy for Chelsea to acquire the player. Whether or not Kimpembe plays in a Chelsea shirt next season remains to be seen.