According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea is trying to negotiate with Paris Saint-Germain for Presnel Kimpembe.
The Frenchman is one defender on Thomas Tuchel’s shortlist, and Romano says PSG are open to selling.
What is the latest news involving Kimpembe?
The Evening Standard recently reported that Chelsea and Tuchel are keen to wrap up a deal for Kimpembe.
The newspaper claims that PSG wants around £42m for their player, but the 26-year-old is reluctant to leave his boyhood club.
Transfer insider Dean Jones has also told GIVEMESPORT that there are a few hurdles Chelsea needs to overcome if they are to sign Kimpembe this summer, so it does appear that the west London outfit has a lot of work to do.
Chelsea does, however, look to be making progress in their pursuit of Sevilla’s Jules Kunde, with The Guardian claiming that they are close to agreeing on a fee with their Spanish counterparts for the 23-year-old.
What has Romano said about Kimpembe and Chelsea?
While Kimpembe seems more than happy at the Parc des Princes, Romano says PSG are not against the idea of him leaving this window as Chelsea continues to circle.
Speaking to GMS, the transfer expert said: “They’re trying to negotiate with Paris Saint-Germain for Kimpembe because Tuchel is a big fan of Kimpembe. Paris Saint-Germain, they are open to discuss with Chelsea.”
Why is Tuchel a big fan of Kimpembe?
Tuchel has worked with Kimpembe, playing the France international 80 times during his time as PSG boss, so he knows his qualities.
As per FBref, Kimpembe has ranked in the 99th percentile for a pass completion and the 87th for progressive carries among centre-backs over the last year, showing that he is quite good on the ball.
He is also a player with leadership qualities. Discussing the 26-year-old amid Chelsea’s interest, new PSG manager Christophe Galtier told L’Equipe (via Sport.fr): “I have read everything that has been said about Kimpembe. We even laughed about it together.
“He’s a player I like. He is direct in the human relationship. What will happen, I don’t know. He is a great defender and a leader. In this system, he can be very efficient.”
The above are just a few things Tuchel probably likes about his former player. Ultimately, given that Chelsea’s central defence is a bit light right now following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, it is hardly a shock that Tuchel is eyeing a reunion with Kimpembe.
