Thomas Tuchel ‘planning Bundesliga centre-back raid’ as the new Chelsea boss ‘hopes to sign one of David Alaba, Niklas Sule or Dayot Upemecano’ during the summer transfer window
- Thomas Tuchel is keen to improve Chelsea’s defensive options in the summer
- The new Chelsea boss reportedly has shortlisted three Bundesliga centre-backs
- David Alaba is a free agent this summer while Niklas Sule’s deal ends in 2022
- RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano is also on the German’s list of targets
New Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reportedly has his eyes sets on raiding the Bundesliga for a centre-back this summer.
The German manager joined Chelsea last month, following the departure of club legend Frank Lampard, who was sacked after a poor run of form.
Tuchel has already been implementing his changes since his arrival at Chelsea, and hopes to strengthen the side further in the summer.
New Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly keen on signing a Bundesliga centre-back
Bayern Munich pair Niklas Sule and David Alaba are reportedly among Tuchel’s targets
German newspaper BILD, have now reported that Tuchel is keen to bolster his options at the centre-back position and has three players in mind.
That trio consists of Niklas Sule and David Alaba from Bayern Munich, as well as RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upemecano.
There has been speculation about the futures of all three in recent times, and Tuchel would reportedly love to bring one of them to Stamford Bridge.
Alaba is a free-agent this summer and therefore is currently the most likely to switch clubs.
However Chelsea would face competition for the 28-year-old Austrian with both Real Madrid and Liverpool reportedly interested.
His team-mate Sule has a contract with the German and European champions until the summer of 2022.
However BILD report that if a deal is not agreed with Sule by this summer, they would be willing to let the 25-year-old join another club, to avoid any repeat of the Alaba situation and let him go for nothing.
RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano is also believed to be on the Chelsea manager’s shortlist
Bayern manager Hansi Flick when asked about Sule’s future, said: ‘It speaks for a player of ours, although other clubs show interest. We will see how everything develops and where he sees his future.’
Upamecano meanwhile is one of Europe’s hottest properties at present, with Bayern Munich reportedly making the Frenchman their top target this summer.
Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed talks have begun between Bayern and RB Leipzig, but admits they will face stiff competition from other Premier League sides as they attempt to entice him to the Allianz Arena.
As well as Chelsea, both Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the 22-year-old centre-back.