Chelsea will reportedly open the summer transfer floodgates this week, with Thomas Tuchel set to welcome 'one of their two' primary defensive targets'. The west Londoners have been heavily linked with Jules Kounde, Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake, but a deal is yet to materialise for either.
Sevilla have been aware of the Blues' interest since last summer and wish to complete a deal that would see the 23-year-old make a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season amid rivalling interest from Barcelona. The Spanish giants emerged as competitors for Kounde's signature in recent weeks, with Xavi reportedly eager to partner the France international with partner Ronald Araujo.
The Frenchman is said to be available for a fee in the region of £60million this summer, with his club in need of funds to overhaul their squad. Sevilla director Monchi revealed that there are no ongoing talks between the club and Barca, admitting that Galatasaray defender Marcao is on the club's list of targets.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly taking big strides towards completing the signing of De Ligt, with Juventus close to agreeing to the west London side's latest offer. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and, while there is progress to be made, the Blues are in 'pole position' to sign the defender.
However, according to SPORT, the Dutchman has verbally agreed to join Bayern Munich instead and negotiations between the clubs will start soon. The report claims that a deal will only fail due to the Old Lady's asking price, not because of salary demands.
It seems that if all else fails, a move for Manchester City defender Ake could be made. Thomas Tuchel is interested in bringing defender Nathan Ake back to Stamford Bridge, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The German coach is said to view the 27-year-old as a priority alongside compatriot Matthijs de Ligt for the centre-back vacancies. Regardless of who Chelsea sign this summer, Tuchel is keen to undergo a rebuild.
Speaking to football.london, the German said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging, but we are up for the challenge.
"I don't know where we are from day one. What I can promise is that I will be here – if I can promise that – I will be here with full energy and positive energy no matter what. We will still work for Chelsea, and I refuse to think of negative scenarios. We will be competitive, on which level we will see.
"On how the delay and sanctions will affect us, there is a risk. It will be very challenging to make up for the disadvantage, given the situation of the other two teams: City and Liverpool, who are already improving the squad and set one benchmark after the other in all aspects of the game."
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