Kimpembe to Chelsea: The message that shows PSG defender's love of Tuchel

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 8 Jul 2022 08:29 BST
• 3 min read

Although Chelsea are closing in on the arrival of Nathan Ake from Manchester City, the Blues are also interested in PSG centre-back Presnel Kimpembe.

The Ligue 1 side are reportedly willing to allow the France international to depart this summer, with a transfer fee of around €60 million thought to be their asking price for a player who came through their academy system.

Indeed, it is reported that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is particularly pushing to sign the 26-year-old defender.

The duo worked with each other for two-and-a-half years and Kimpembe was full of praise for the German manager after he was sacked in 2020.

Posting on Instagram at the time, Kimpembe wrote: “Thank you and your team for your high standards, your confidence, your enormous work which has allowed us to win many trophies together.

“I wish you the best for your next adventures", he added, before rounding off his message with ‘top top top”, a reference to one of Tuchel’s common phrases.

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Kimpembe and Tuchel reunited again?

Chelsea are desperate for defensive reinforcements losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers but have struggled to secure their targets so far.

Jules Kounde is high on Tuchel’s list but Sevilla are said to be holding out for a fee in excess of €60m with Barcelona also interested.

Ake, meanwhile, appears increasingly likely to move back to the club from Man City, although he is likely to command a sizeable fee.

With Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta also wanted by Barcelona, Chelsea are in the market for at least two defenders and their attentions appear to have turned to Kimpembe.

The Frenchman played some of his best football under Tuchel as well as next to current Chelsea defender Thiago Silva and Kimpembe is believed to be open to a move.

Kimpembe wants clarification on his future under PSG’s new regime before committing to any move, with the defender keen on securing a big contract and assuring his role at the club.