Chelsea have made contact with French club RC Lens over a move for wing-back Jonathan Clauss, according to GOAL. The 29-year-old has reportedly been a long-term target for Thomas Tuchel, dating back to when he first took the job at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are said to have monitored the France international for the past 50 matches at club level. A fee of roughly £ 10 million would be enough to land him, having continued to impress, even receiving a call-up to the French senior national team back in March.
Clauss would offer a competitive option on the right of the defence, an area that was a problem last season when Reece James was sidelined with serious injuries. It could also mark the end of an era for Cesar Azpilicueta.
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The Chelsea captain is said to be of interest to Barcelona, with only one-year remaining on his deal. The Blaugrana have their own difficulties though, with their financial difficulties dictating the business they can conduct.
For this reason, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be agreed that would see the Spaniard move to Catalonia. The 32-year-old has spent ten years at Stamford Bridge, winning nine trophies in that time.
With the exit of Marina Granovskaia expected in the coming weeks, transfer business is now expected to be handled by owner Todd Boehly. Whether that has an impact on any of the deals or targets previously linked with the club will be likely seen in the activity from the Blues in the weeks ahead.
It would leave a huge gap to fill, given his experience and versatility at the back. However, that may be a gap that Clauss, who is a self-proclaimed Chelsea fan, is tasked with filling.
