Thomas Tuchel can repeat scouting trick to complete transfer for next N’Golo Kante at Chelsea
Chelsea have less than a week to conduct any January transfer business to strengthen Thomas Tuchel’s side for the remainder of the Premier League season.
Finding themselves in a title battle at the back end of 2021, the Blues’ end-of-year form and start to 2022 has seen Manchester City charge away at the summit, while Chelsea look to retain their top-four status.
Many fans wanted to see incomings in this window – especially given the defensive injury and contract issues – but so far none have been forthcoming.
With a host of contracts expiring in the summer, there’s a need to conduct activity in the market – and French football is an area where the Blues could focus their attention.
Previous windows have seen Chelsea sign the likes of Edouard Mendy, Thiago Silva, Tiemoue Bakayoko and David Luiz from Ligue 1 football, so it’s clearly an area the scouting team knows well – and we’ve identified four targets they could move for.
Aurelien Tchouameni (AS Monaco)
One of the most sought-after defensive midfielders in Europe, Aurelien Tchouameni is a target for some of the continent’s biggest clubs having been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
The France international, who turns 22 this month, has featured in all but three of his team’s league matches since the beginning of last season, showing the level of consistency required of a top player.
He ranked joint-top of in Ligue 1 for tackles and interceptions last season and has an elite ability to read plays and break up opposition moves.
Tchouameni has averaged roughly the same number of tackles and interceptions per-90 as compatriot N’Golo Kante since the beginning of last season, and was of interest to the Blues in last summer’s window.
He is also accustomed to playing in a midfield two, which would suit Chelsea’s 3-4-3 system under Thomas Tuchel along with being a player who is relaxed and composed in possession while being capable of covering ground.
Zeki Celik (Lille)
One of the most fertile scouting grounds in Europe is Lille’s squad following their shock Ligue 1 title win last season and one such star is 24-year-old right-back Zeki Celik.
The Turkey international is capable of playing as a wing-back and would provide support for Reece James, who is currently the only right wing-back option – despite his injury – with Cesar Azpilicueta more at home in a less advanced role.
Lille player Mehmet Zeki Celik
He is attack-minded, scoring four goals and recording nine assists in Ligue 1 since 2018 and has good passing ability for a full-back -similar to Achraf Hakimi who Chelsea attempted to sign in the summer.
Thilo Kehrer (PSG)
Chelsea need centre-back reinforcements with concerns surrounding the futures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen with their contracts expiring in the summer.
Kehrer was signed by Thomas Tuchel at PSG in 2018 and his contract expires in 2023, meaning that the Parisians are likely to want to cash in on a player who has not played as much first-team football as expected in the French capital.
He is primarily a centre-half, but his athleticism means that he is capable as a wing-back on either side of the pitch. The 25-year-old can also provide cover in defensive midfield making him the perfect squad player capable of covering multiple roles.
Bruno Guimaraes (Lyon)
Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes of Lyon is one option who could be a long-term successor to Jorginho, who is now in his thirties along with N’Golo Kante.
The 24-year-old is accustomed to playing in a two-man midfield, meaning that Tuchel’s system would be easily picked up by the former Athletico Paranaense player.
He is a very progressive player who ranks at the top of Ligue 1 for progressive passes, as well as being dynamic on the ball, he is a keen dribbler and again ranks highly in Ligue 1 for progressive carries.
This winter has seen him linked with a number of clubs, with Arsenal and Newcastle both keen but any move could be expensive with two years remaining on his contract this summer. However, if Chelsea make their move they could get one over their rivals.
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