Chelsea are eyeing PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangare as an alternative to West Ham's Declan Rice this summer, according to reports. It comes ahead of a huge summer for the Blues as Thomas Tuchel prepares to shape his squad for next season.
The next few weeks could be equally important for the club, both on and off the field. On the pitch, the side will be hoping to finally confirm Champions League qualification as well as win the FA Cup this weekend, while off of the pitch, the takeover saga continues to rumble on.
Ahead of the summer transfer window, where the squad could look to freshen up a little, the German coach has claimed he has some ideas for potential signings: "We have clear ideas how to improve, how to freshen the squad, improve the squad, bring new energy and quality. It would not be the first transfer window where you have a wish and cannot make it as a coach. We will find solutions, but first of all, we must adapt to the general situation. Then we see if it is possible and what is possible."
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One particular area that Tuchel could look to bolster is his midfield ranks. The pairing of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante are about to enter the final year of their contract, with doubts over the future of both, while there are few options left behind them.
West Ham's Declan Rice is linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, though that has been the case for the past few years. The likes of Manchester United have also been linked with the England international, though the Red Devils may be unlikely to land him after recent developments.
Likewise, for the Blues, as the Mirror reports, the club is unwilling to meet the £150million valuation set on the 23-year-old. As an alternative, the report states that Chelsea are monitoring PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangare.
The 24-year-old has impressed for the Dutch club, standing at an impressive six foot and three inches tall, making for an imposing figure in central areas. His ball-winning skills and composure have made him a link for many clubs in recent weeks, with the report claiming he is valued at £30million.
It would be the type of creative signing that the likes of Liverpool have completed in the market, often going for cheaper alternatives rather than the more expensive elite players. Whether that ends up being the case for the Blues remains to be seen, but it could allow Tuchel even more room to spend in the transfer window.
