In Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk, Chelsea might balance their defensive losses by acquiring Kalidou Koulibaly as part of a two-part deal, while an Arsenal star could be used to entice a full-back to north London.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!RUDIGER TO BE REPLACED BY KOULIBALY?
This summer, Chelsea is dealing with a defensive problem. Real Madrid will sign Antonio Rudiger as a free agent, while Barcelona has been connected with Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta.
In the Thomas Tuchel era, all three have predominantly played at centre-back, and considering that the German employs a back three, strong depth is essential.
Chelsea would still have Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, and Malang Sarr on the books if the trio left. A squad battling on four fronts each season, on the other hand, cannot rely on so few choices.
As a result, Caught Offside predicts the signing of two new centre-halves this summer, once the club’s fines are released.
Once the new owners are in place, such limitations will be lifted. According to the report, the new back-line would be led by Napoli’s Koulibaly.
By the start of next season, Koulibaly will be 31 years old, yet he remains a top level operator in Naples.
Chelsea have made touch with Koulibaly’s agent, Fali Ramadani, according to Calciomercato writer Matteo Moretto.
Koulibaly’s’super’ offer is essential.
At the end of the season, Koulibaly’s contract with Napoli will be up. As a result, if it becomes clear that he will not sign new terms, this summer may be the best moment to cash in.
Regardless, the journalist stated that a “super offer” could be necessary, but did not specify how much that might be.
The second target in a double deal was hinted at in Caught Offside’s story, and his name is one that Blues fans will recognize.
Jules Kounde is referenced once more, with Sky Sports citing his prior declaration that he wants to leave Sevilla this summer.
Chelsea pursued Kounde last summer, but Sevilla was in a strong negotiation position and refused to give in.
On Monday, TEAMtalk learnt that the 23-year-old is nearly set to leave Seville in 12 months.
Arsenal want to use Pablo Mari, a loanee from Udinese, as bait to entice Nahuel Molina, a 24-year-old full-back, to leave. Since his debut in 2021, Molina has won 15 caps for Argentina, predominantly as a right-back. (TuttoUdinese)
Liverpool will not fall for the hook and change their transfer plans as a result of Man City’s acquisition of Erling Haaland. Romano, Fabrizio
Along with Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham, Paulo Dybala has a new suitor. Inter Milan has expressed interest in the next free agent. (The Sun)
Giorgio Chiellini, the legendary Italian centre-back, has been approached by two MLS clubs about completing his career in the United States. The 37-year-old has stated that this is his final season at Juventus. (The Sun)
Newcastle has joined Manchester United in the chase for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. If he moves this summer, the 23-year-old will almost certainly cost more than the £67 million he came in Naples for. (Calciomercato)
Arsenal want to use Pablo Mari, a loanee from Udinese, as bait to entice Nahuel Molina, a 24-year-old full-back, to leave. Since his debut in 2021, Molina has won 15 caps for Argentina, predominantly as a right-back. (TuttoUdinese)
Liverpool will not fall for the hook and change their transfer plans as a result of Man City’s acquisition of Erling Haaland. Romano, Fabrizio
Along with Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham, Paulo Dybala has a new suitor. Inter Milan has expressed interest in the next free agent. (The Sun)
Giorgio Chiellini, the legendary Italian centre-back, has been approached by two MLS clubs about completing his career in the United States. The 37-year-old has stated that this is his final season at Juventus. (The Sun)
Newcastle has joined Manchester United in the chase for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. If he moves this summer, the 23-year-old will almost certainly cost more than the £67 million he came in Naples for. (Calciomercato)
PSG is one among the teams interested in the Manchester United midfielder, but they must first reduce their pay before making an offer. (Source: RMC Sport)
Left-back from Brazil Marcelo wants to stay at the Bernabeu longer, but it’s unclear whether Real Madrid would grant the 33-year-old free agent a new contract. (Marca)
If Josip Brekalo’s planned transfer to Torino falls through, Southampton are ready to ‘throw themselves’ at him. Brekalo is on loan at Torino, who must decide on Sunday, May 15 whether to exercise his €11 million purchase option. (Tuttosport)
