Chelsea need to strengthen their defensive options ahead of next season and Todd Boehly will back Thomas Tuchel to do exactly that.
The Blues have already secured the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli for a fee of £34million, becoming the club's second signing after Raheem Sterling joined from Manchester City earlier last week. Following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Tuchel knows he needs top quality replacements alongside Thiago Silva at the back.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are also likely to depart this summer with Barcelona heavily linked with a move for the Chelsea duo, whilst young talent Levi Colwill has also been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge amid Tuchel's plans to add experienced, elite defenders to his squad this summer. football.london understands the Blues are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Presnel Kimpembe after missing out on former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake, whilst the west Londoners have maintained contact with Sevilla over a deal for long-term target Jules Kounde.
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Tuchel worked with Kimpembe during his time as PSG manager and is keen to reunite with the French defender as the Blues search for a left-sided centre-back to join the club. The Ligue 1 champions are willing to let Kimpembe leave the club but have slapped a £50million price tag on the 26-year-old.
So, how could Chelsea's defence look next season if they make Kimpembe their third summer signing? football.london takes a look at Tuchel's options.
Silva at the centre
Thiago Silva proved that age is just a number after having one of the best defensive performances throughout the season for Chelsea last term. The Brazilian showed his class and experience after a shaky start to life at Stamford Bridge, putting in consistently brilliant performances and becoming a mainstay in the Blues' backline.
His ability to play out from defence and use his passing range to start attacking moves was a huge asset for Tuchel's side, whilst his experience and reading of the game allowed him to out-smart his opponents and intercept dangerous attacks before they could begin. Silva has previous experience of playing with Kimpembe during his time at PSG and should the French defender follow in the 37-year-old's footsteps and show similar form, it could prove to be one of the signings of the summer.
With Koulibaly's addition of quality, leadership and experience on the right of a back three and Kimpembe's physicality on the left, Silva would have two strong partners in defence and could form one of the best defensive lines in Europe with Ben Chilwell and Reece James at the wing-back positions. Should Kimpembe sign, Silva can help develop the France international into becoming one of the top defenders in the Premier League whilst Tuchel insists Koulibaly could become Chelsea's 'next Thiago Silva' after signing a four-year deal with the Blues.
Trevoh Chalobah cover
Should Tuchel look to give youth a chance, Trevoh Chalobah shown in glimpses last season that he is ready to step up into the first team. Featuring in the FA Cup final last season, Chalobah has proved he can challenge for a starting spot in Tuchel's squad and would be a good option alongside the more experienced players in defence.
With the more experienced presence of Koulibaly and Kimpembe in defence, and James to help support him on the right, Chalobah could prove to be a solid option for Tuchel next season. Should any of the defensive options suffer a long-term injury, the 23-year-old now has more first team experience and understanding of the demands placed on centre-backs in Tuchel's system so that he can step in and provide suitable cover.
Levi Colwill chance
Levi Colwill is one of the most talented players Chelsea have produced through their academy, yet the 19-year-old's future remains in doubt this summer. Tuchel wants to ensure his team have all the tools needed to challenge the top teams in all competitions next term, and that may leave Colwill out of the picture for another season.
Plenty of Premier League rival clubs are interested in signing the promising youngster should Colwill express a desire to leave in search of first team football, including Arsenal, Everton and Crystal Palace. Tuchel could save the club a fortune in the transfer market by opting to give the 19-year-old opportunities to step into the first team in cup competitions or for rotation purposes, learning from the likes of Silva, Koulibaly and Kimpembe.
Chalobah is a prime example of how a young player can be given the chance to shine in the senior team and step up to the occasion. Chelsea do not want to lose Colwill with Tuchel analysing his performances throughout pre-season, but should the player feel he will not be given a chance this season, it could lead to a shock departure from Stamford Bridge.
Jules Kounde inclusion
Tuchel could look to field a completely new centre-back trio in his favoured five-back system if the Blues secure deals for both Kimpembe and Jules Kounde. The 23-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move to west London for the past year now and has is said to have verbally agreed a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Kounde has been a long-term target for the Blues and football.london understands the club have made contact with Sevilla this week and are actively pursuing a deal for the France international once again. Kounde could be a brilliant third addition to the defence with an even blend of Senegal, England and France talent.
Sevilla need to sell Kounde to raise funds that can be reinvested into their squad this summer, but the west Londoners face competition from Barcelona, despite the Catalan club targeting moves for Chelsea duo Alonso and Azpilicueta. Kounde is a slightly smaller centre-back for a Premier League side, standing at just 5ft 10ins tall, but alongside the likes of Koulibaly and Kimpembe this would be no issue and may actually compliment the other two defenders perfectly.
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