Chelsea may finally be making moves to bring in new faces as the Blues face something of a defensive crisis due to departing players.
The likes of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta could all walk away from Stamford Bridge for nothing this summer when their contracts expire – something that would leave Thomas Tuchel with few options at the back.
And with the club potentially leaving three important first-team players, the Blues are reportedly targeting replacements with experience of playing atthe top of European football.
Reports suggest a move for top target Jules Kounde could be close, while contact is said to have been made with Bayern Munich's Niklas Sule.
But the club may have fallen behind in the race to sign Marseille's defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara.
Here are all the latest Chelsea transfer rumours.
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Kamara blow
Chelsea have reportedly fallen behind in the race to bring in Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara, it has been claimed.
Football.London reports that Manchester United and, perhaps slightly surprisingly, Aston Villa have moved ahead of the Blues in the pecking order for the Frenchman.
Kamara's contract expires at the end of the season, but Marseille reportedly want to cash in on him before the transfer window closes this month.
If Kamara does move this month it is unlikely he will sign for Chelsea, the report adds, as the Blues are prioritising a left-back instead.
Kounde deal "close"
Chelsea "seem close" to Jules Kounde summer signing, according to reports.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, the Blues are coming "with strength to try to close the operation".
The Blues have reportedly got director Marina Granovskaia leading the attempt, and are ready to offer an initial payment of £46million plus £4m in bonuses.
Tutto Mercato Web claims the agreement between the clubs "seems close", and the defender could indeed leave Sevilla to join the Blues this summer.
"Contact made" with Sule
Chelsea are in “active contact” with Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule’s representatives, it has been reported.
The German defender is out of contract this summer and the Blues have reportedly contacted his representatives about a potential switch, according to Sport1.
It is claimed that Sule wants a new challenge and is open to a move abroad, having decided not to extend his stay with the German giants.
He has been linked with Chelsea, Barcelona and Newcastle United, although a move to the Magpies is said to be "out of the question", as he wants to play regularly at the top international level.
