Chelsea have reportedly drawn up a list of four main summer transfer targets as Thomas Tuchel plans a major overhaul of his squad.
Chelsea did not make a senior signing in the January window, while the club also failed to reach an agreement with Lyon for Emerson Palmieri to return from his loan in France.
Some Chelsea supporters have expressed concern of the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market - particularly compared to rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, who both signed new players last month.
However, Chelsea and Tuchel reportedly agreed to avoid spending big in January in order to focus their efforts on the summer transfer market instead.
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The Athletic claim Chelsea have identified four main targets: England’s Declan Rice and French trio Jules Kounde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ousmane Dembele.
Chelsea are long-time admirers of Rice, who has continued his impressive form for West Ham this season.
Manchester City and Manchester United have also been strongly linked with the England midfielder, who is said to be keen to play Champions League football.
Another midfield option for Chelsea is Monaco playmaker Tchouameni, who has made 32 appearances in all competitions this season.
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As is the case with Rice, Manchester United have also been linked with Tchouameni, with the Old Trafford club keen to strengthen their midfield options this summer.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also reportedly interested in signing Barcelona forward Dembele, who is set to be available for free at the end of the season.
Dembele’s current deal with Barcelona expires in June and the France international has refused to pen a new contract at the Nou Camp following a disagreement over wages.
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Chelsea could also be in the market for defensive reinforcements, with Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen all out of contract at the end of the season.
The Blues could make another move for Kounde after failing to sign the centre-back from Sevilla last summer.
Chelsea were in talks to sign Kounde but were unable to agree a fee with Sevilla, who reportedly wanted the Premier League club to pay a £68.5m release clause in the Frenchman's contract.
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Meanwhile, reports in Spain claim Chelsea are also interested in Real Madrid defender Eder Militao.
Tuchel is said to have asked Chelsea to make a summer bid for the Brazilian, who has played a key role in central defence for the La Liga leaders this season.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Declan Rice, Jules Kounde, Ousmane Dembele, Premier League, Transfers, Football
