Presnel Kimpembe receives messages from current Chelsea star in effort to seal Tuchel reunion
Thiago Silva is in contact with his former Paris Saint-Germain centre-back partner Presnel Kimpembe amid his own links with Chelsea, it has been claimed.
Chelsea are in need of new centre-backs ahead of the 2022-23 season. Antonio Rudiger has signed a contract with Real Madrid, while Andreas Christensen is likely to be heading for Barcelona after also appearing on the club’s released list.
Jules Kounde has been a priority target for Chelsea for more than a year now. However, they are yet to meet in the middle with Sevilla. Hence, Chelsea are keeping their options open.
One player being linked with them in increasing frequency is PSG defender Kimpembe. He worked under Thomas Tuchel when the current Chelsea coach was in charge in Paris.
On the pitch, he was often deployed alongside Thiago Silva, who has been shining for Chelsea ever since he left PSG in 2020.
Now, according to France Football journalist Olivier Bossard, Silva has been texting Kimpembe in an effort to convince him Chelsea would be a good next club to join.
Bossard verifies that Tuchel wants to work with Kimpembe again. He gave him 80 appearances during their time together in the French capital – more than any other coach has during his career.
Bild also confirm that Kimpembe is on Chelsea’s wanted list. According to their reporter Christian Falk, the 26-year-old is joined by Kounde and Matthijs de Ligt as options.
Any of the trio could be expensive for Chelsea. Kimpembe is under contract with PSG – the only club he has represented in his career so far – until 2024.
Therefore, this may be an optimum time if they are to sell him, otherwise his value could decline as his contract approaches its final year.
For now, though, he is due to add to his 220 appearances for Paris. It would take a worthwhile bid from the Blues to change that.
Kimpembe could be useful to Chelsea
Capped 27 times by France, Kimpembe is a high-level defender who would be useful to Chelsea.
His existing relationships with Tuchel and Silva would also help him settle at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea looking into Presnel Kimpembe
Chelsea are looking into a deal for PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe.
Although PSG ended the season playing with a back four, rather than a three similar to the shape Chelsea use, Kimpembe should be intelligent enough to adapt – especially since he knows what it takes to perform for Tuchel.
How high Chelsea are willing to go with any offer remains to be seen. But targeting a player in the prime of their career would show intent.
It will be hard for Chelsea to replace Rudiger. But at least Kimpembe could be an upgrade on Christensen.
