Chelsea are preparing for a huge squad turnover this summer as a number of stars could be set to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window. A whole host of players have been linked with a switch away, with a few nearing the final 12 months of their contracts.
With such a number of exits expected, there have been plenty of reports surrounding Thomas Tuchel making a potential raid for some of his former players now he is at Bayern Munich. Mason Mount has been the prominent name linked, with the England international's future currently uncertain.
"I still have a good bond with the players," Tuchel said when asked about his link to the Blues. "We still text, there are many messages. I have found many friends at the Chelsea training centre. This will not end because of a new job. It will be difficult to keep in touch and see each other but the friendships will stay."
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While that could give Tuchel an advantage in landing a player like Mount, it may be a midfield partner of his that could switch to the Bundesliga instead. That's because Sport1 reports that Mateo Kovacic is a player that the German coach is interested in bringing to his new club as part of a midfield shakeup.
The report adds that the Croatia international is free to leave Chelsea this summer, with his contract nearing the final year, adding that he is currently "not happy" and eyeing a switch. It could allow the Blues to free up some space in the squad as well as earn some much-needed transfer fees if the deal works for all parties.
It remains to be seen whether it will be a move that goes ahead or not, with the summer gearing up to be a window with plenty of movement from Stamford Bridge.
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