Rival manager responds to rumours linking PSG star to Chelsea

Christophe Galtier responds to rumours linking Presnel Kimpembe to Chelsea

While speaking in an interview with L’Equipé as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, PSG manager Christophe Galtier revealed that he ‘laughed’ with Presnel Kimpembe after hearing rumours that the French defender was considering a transfer to Chelsea.

After losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to free agency this summer, Thomas Tuchel is conscious of the need to bolster his ranks in that division. Kalidou Koulibaly has joined the club but the Blues still need further reinforcements at the heart of the defence.

Chelsea is now a little short of seasoned choices in a crucial region of the field since they have subsequently signed with Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

Christophe Galtier responds to rumours linking Presnel Kimpembe to Chelsea. (AnthonyBIBARD/FEP/Panoramic PUBLICATION)
Chelsea have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe. (AnthonyBIBARD/FEP/Panoramic PUBLICATION)

As a result, The Blues have shifted their attention to Kimpembe. However, when Galtier was questioned about whether the defender could depart Parc des Princes, he acknowledged he was unable to provide a firm response.

“I’ve read everything said about Kimpembe. We even laughed about it together. I like him – he’s great centre-back but what will happen, I don’t know,”

Although Presnel Kimpembe began his youth career with AS Éragny, Paris Saint-Germain was where he spent the majority of his formative years. The French defender joined Les Parisiens in 2005 when he was 10 years old and advanced quickly through their system.

Christophe Galtier responds to rumours linking Presnel Kimpembe to Chelsea. (EP/Panoramic PUBLICATION)
PSG manager provides an update on the Presnel Kimpembe transfer situation. (EP/Panoramic PUBLICATION)

In October 2014, he made his first-team PSG debut. Since then, he has made 220 appearances for the club, contributing three goals and two assists in the process.

Interest in Kimpembe first surfaced when Antonio Rudiger was getting closer to leaving Chelsea as a free agent. Since the German international left Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel has been left without many strong options for the centre of the defence heading into the 2022–23 season, especially with Andreas Christensen also leaving this summer.

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The only recognisable centre-backs available to the Chelsea manager after the departures of Rudiger and Christensen are Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, and Malang Sarr. Even the Blues’ acquisition of Koulibaly from Napoli won’t be sufficient to provide sufficient depth.

It seems that PSG are in no mood to sell one of their crucial players. However, considering the manager hasn’t given a firm response regarding his future, there could be some wiggle room in the situation. If that’s the case, Thomas Tuchel’s team should attempt to take full responsibility for it by registering a genuine interest in the Frenchman.