Chelsea move for £36m Fofana alternative 'on the table' at Stamford Bridge | OneFootball

Chelsea still have a chance of signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe this summer despite his desire to remain with the Ligue 1 champions, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Thomas Tuchel is currently preparing his side for the start of the Premier League season this weekend but still has plenty of work to do in the summer transfer market.

What is the latest from Chelsea this summer?

At the time of writing, only two new players have been signed by the Blues. Raheem Sterling has joined from Manchester City while Kalidou Koulibaly has been purchased from Napoli.

The latter in particular was a much-needed acquisition after Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen left at the end of their contracts at Stamford Bridge last season.

But there remains work to be done at the back. Another centre-back is still required while both Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta remain eager to join Barcelona.

Jules Kounde was a long-term target for Chelsea but the Catalan giants have beaten them to his signature at the last minute.

Another player who is reportedly on their shortlist is PSG’s Kimpembe, currently valued at £34 million by Transfermarkt. Tuchel knows the France international well from his time managing at the Parc des Princes and seemingly wants to reunite with him in west London.

But, as things stand, the £164,000 per-week ace has no interest in leaving Paris. Nevertheless, there is still a chance a deal could be done.

What has Crook said on the situation?

Crook understands that Chelsea have not yet ruled out a move for Kimpembe before the summer is out as they look to bolster their back line.

However, the talkSPORT reporter also states that with neither PSG or the player particular keen on the deal, it will take plenty of work.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Kimpembe is still on the table, but he’s not desperate to leave Paris Saint-Germain and they’re not desperate to sell him.”

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What happens next at Stamford Bridge?

Tuchel will likely be disappointed to be heading into the new season with just two new recruits to his name in a summer where there was significant work to be done.

While Sterling and Koulibaly both represent strong additions, they are unlikely to be enough to ensure Chelsea improve on their 2021-22 performance.

There remains a month left of the window, however, so it is not quite time for panic at the Bridge, but it is certain to be an interesting few weeks.