Todd Boehly is stepping up Chelsea's pursuit for Jules Kounde and Presnel Kimpembe, with Thomas Tuchel eager to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer. The duo have been heavily linked with exits from their respective clubs and the Blues are ready to swoop in.
football.london understand that the west Londoners will submit respective bids for both Kounde and Kimpembe this week. It's also believed that Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with the Sevilla defender, with negotiations said to likely be smooth this time around following difficulties 12 months ago.
Meanwhile, with regard to the Paris Saint-Germain defender, he sees his contract at Les Parc des Princes expire in two-years, casting increasing doubt over his future in the French capital. Tuchel's great interest in the pair follows an exodus of defenders, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso also linked with moves away.
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But, regardless of who Boehly signs this summer, the Blues boss 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."
Chelsea have already welcomed Kalidou Koulibaly to Stamford Bridge this summer as part of Tuchel's defensive rebuild. The German has Levi Colwill at his disposal following an exciting season-long loan spell at Huddersfield Town.
Ethan Ampadu has also been of use to Tuchel in the early stages of Chelsea's United States pre-season tour. But, with Arsenal arming themselves with Gabriel Jesus, Manchester City signing Erling Haaland and Tottenham Hotspur drafting in Richarlison, the Blues' urgency to sign a-list recruits is warranted.
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