Bayern Munich star Niklas Sule has agreed a move to Borussia Dortmund when his contract expires in the summer, despite Chelsea's interest in signing him.
football.london understands that Chelsea have held a long interest in the German star. He was scouted six years ago when Antonio Conte wanted to re-shape and re-structure the defence in west London but he preferred a move to Bayern at the time.
The Blues may end up regretting the fact they didn't sign Sule as he would've added something else to their side - at least according to his Bayern teammate, Thomas Muller, that is.
One thing that's become an important part of being a defender in the modern game is being confident on the ball, and as Muller described earlier this season, Sule is always controlled whilst in possession.
“When he’s on the move, he’s difficult to stop," he said, as cited by fansided.
"It’s surprising when a central defender starts dribbling all of a sudden. It used to be the case with Lucio. In addition to that, it’s important that he’s stable in body duels and can pick up speed.”
Muller isn't the only star who rates Sule - who is valued at £31.5million by transfermarkt - highly either, as Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk agrees with the German and thinks he's exceptional at what he does.
“Niklas Süle is a great defender," he said. “He doesn’t play for Bayern for without reason. I’ve already had some nice battles with him.”
With the contracts of Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger all running out at the end of the season, the Blues could lose three of their prominent defensive figures for free by the time the summer window arrives.
Sule was identified as a target, but they will now have to look elsewhere. Barcelona's Ronald Araujo has been strongly linked, whilst rumours of a summer return for Jules Kounde continue to circulate.
Luckily, knowing the Blues' reputation for spending since Roman Abramovich took over the club, they are likely to have a trick or two up their sleeve for the summer, and Thomas Tuchel's squad will still be amongst the strongest in Europe.
