Niklas Sule is reportedly one of the three players that Chelsea have their sights set on to bolster their defence in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by German outlet Sport Bild, Chelsea have drawn up a shortlist of candidates to pursue in the summer transfer window in order to reinforce their defence. And, Bayern Munich centre-back Niklas Sule features prominently on this list, among a couple of other names from the Bundesliga.
Niklas Sule joined Bayern Munich from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2017 but has since only made gradual progress in his career. Injuries and inconsistencies have not helped the 25-year-old’s case and as a result, he continues to go in and out of the side at the Allianz Arena.
This term, Sule has had to share game-time with Jerome Boateng and David Alaba, meaning he has started just 16 of the 29 games that Bayern Munich have played this season. However, despite blowing hot and cold, the German international’s stock has not taken a hit, with Chelsea weighing up a possible summer swoop.
Chelsea are reported to be in the market for a centre-back ahead of the summer, despite signing a couple of central defenders last summer. However, closer inspection suggests why that is the case, seeing as Thiago Silva, at 36, is in the twilight of his career, while Andreas Christensen has not been featuring regularly for any of the Chelsea managers he has played under.
In addition, it is unclear whether Fikayo Tomori will join AC Milan permanently, meaning the Blues do need to keep their options open ahead of the summer. To that end, Sule is a viable target for Chelsea, who also have their Bayern Munich teammate David Alaba in their sights.
The Austrian international is reportedly set to leave Bayern Munich in the summer as a free agent after failing to reach an agreement over a new contract, with his current deal set to run out at the end of the season. In addition, Dayot Upamecano is another central defender Chelsea are seriously considering over a summer move, with reports suggesting that he is set to leave RB Leipzig soon.
Meanwhile, Sule has received words of support from Hansi Flick right when the rumours of a move away from the Allianz Arena have started to emerge. But, Bayern Munich are open to parting ways with the 25-year-old German international if he does not pen a renewal, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2022. Chelsea could, thus, have an advantage in his pursuit and it will be interesting to see if they do make a move in the summer.
