Chelsea transfer target Presenel Kimpembe has cleared the air after facing backlash for speaking out on his future ahead of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge lately, with Thomas Tuchel eager to replace stalwarts Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Kimpembe, who sees his contract at Les Parc des Princes expire in June 2024, is set to meet with PSG's newly-appointed sporting director Luis Campo in the coming weeks to discuss his future in the capital. The France international featured 41 times for the French giants this season, steering the club towards another Ligue 1 title.
The centre-back's impressive displays helped Mauricio Pochettino sustain the best defensive record in the league, though his efforts weren't enough to navigate PSG into the latter stages of the Champions League. Despite this, he's reportedly courted Chelsea's interest, with a switch to west London on the cards.
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Kimpembe first spoke to French radio network RMC Sport, as quoted by GFFN, to outline his intentions ahead of the summer transfer window amid interest from Chelsea. He said: "Everyone knows the love I have for Paris Saint-Germain - it’s reciprocal. I’ll be 27 in August, it’s a key moment in my career. I’m waiting to meet with the new management with regard to the club’s project. We’ll have to speak very soon."
Then, speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League game against Croatia, he clarified his comments after having received some backlash. Kimpembe held his ground and insisted that he was within his right to seek what the future holds at PSG before committing to a new deal.
"I said that I was reaching 27 years of age and that my next contract would be decisive," the Frenchman said, as quoted by GFFN. "I want to be able to know what the project of the club could be - I didn’t say anything wrong.
"I joined the club when I was 9-10 years old. I think it’s legitimate to ask your club about the future project and what role I am going to be given. For now I am focused on the French team and on tomorrow’s match."
Tuchel is said to be very interested in signing the defender this summer, according to a report from Sky Sports. Kimpembe, who is valued at around £34million by CIES Football Observatory, is believed to be the Blues boss' 'preference' ahead of a proposed rebuild.
Though, football.london understands that Jules Kounde is the west London club's priority following the takeover. The Sevilla defender is keen on moving to the Blues, almost 12 months after his proposed switch to Stamford Bridge collapsed at the final hurdle.
There is a growing expectation that Chelsea will get the Kounde deal over the line this time around, but their search for defenders is set to continue after that. However, Marca claim that the Spanish giants are holding out for no less than €65million (£55.6m), despite the Blues' €50million (£42.8m) offer.
