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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Paul Brown

Chelsea transfer news: Jules Kounde twist and Man Utd urged to make Hakim Ziyech bid

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is set to hold transfer talks with incoming new owner Todd Boehly this week.

And it's clear from the frustration he showed after his side's FA Cup Final defeat on penalties to Liverpool that he wants to see plenty of business done. Tuchel complained that it would be "impossible" to close the gap on the Reds in one transfer window - especially when Chelsea keep losing players without replacing them.

That was in reference to the fact that the club made no signings in January, and that now both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen will be leaving this summer. So with a potentially busy window ahead, here are all the latest Chelsea transfer rumours...

Chelsea to face competition from Barcelona for Kounde

Not content with tempting Andreas Christensen away from Stamford Bridge, Barcelona are also eyeing their top transfer target.

Sevilla centre back Jules Kounde is Tuchel's No 1 priority when it comes to strengthening his back four next season. But according to Barcelona mouthpiece Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club's manager Xavi is also a huge fan.

Mundo also point out that Xavi has a very good relationship to key figures at Sevilla, and that Barca could offer players in part-exchange for Kounde. With the Spanish giants also having Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso on their radar, there may be no love lost between the clubs this summer.

Manchester United urged to sign Ziyech

Chelsea will not want to allow anyone else to leave Tuchel's squad without replacing them.

But former Holland great Marco van Basten thinks Manchester United should try and put in a cheeky bid for Hakim Ziyech. Incoming United boss Erik ten Hag worked with Zieych at Ajax, where the player became known as the "Wizard of Amsterdam" for his silky skills and magical tricks.

And the Moroccan has not enjoyed the best of seasons for Chelsea, finding himself in and out of the team and managing only four goals and three assists in the Premier League. He is under contract for another three years at Stamford Bridge but will be 30 next year - but the Blues would be unlikely to sell to a top-four rival.

Azpilicueta to negotiate contract termination

Cesar Azpilicueta is Chelsea captain and a huge influence in the dressing room, but his future remains in doubt according to Sport.

The Blues defender's contract was due to run out this June until Chelsea triggered a clause to extend it for one more year. But Sport claim Azpilicueta is unhappy about this because he had a verbal agreement he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer.

And the suggestion is that his representatives will hold talks over the next few days to try and find a way out so he can join Barcelona.

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