Premier League giants Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos for a summer move.
According to a report by football.london, Chelsea have shortlisted Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos as a possible summer signing as they continue to look for options to bolster their defence. Thomas Tuchel would ‘love’ to sign the 28-year-old Brazilian international, who he managed in Paris.
Chelsea are set for a mass exodus, leaving them needing reinforcements in almost every department. The world’s most expensive shot-stopper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, finally seems to be heading towards the exit door after falling down the pecking order since Edouard Mendy’s arrival.
There could be departures from the midfield too as both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante have just a year remaining on their respective contracts with the club. In the attacking department, Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have been linked with potential exits.
But it is the defensive unit where Chelsea are in desperate need of adding reinforcements. First-choice centre-backs Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger will not be with the club next season. While Christensen has reportedly agreed on terms with Barcelona, the German has already completed his move to Real Madrid.
If that was not enough, Cesar Azpilicueta could also return to Spain. The Chelsea captain’s contract expires this summer, and the Blues have reportedly offered him a new two-year deal, which he is yet to sign.
Thus adding at least two central defenders is of paramount importance for Chelsea. They are believed to be leading the race to sign Sevilla’s Jules Kounde but are yet to make an official bid for the 23-year-old. Chelsea are also exploring other options, and Marquinhos has emerged as one amongst them.
The 28-year-old has been with PSG since 2013 and is now the club captain as well. Tuchel, however, is an admirer of the defender and wants to get him on board this summer. The Chelsea boss managed Marquinhos during his managerial stint with the French giants between 2018 and 2020.
The Blues could find it hard to convince PSG into selling Marquinhos, however, as he is one of their most important players. The 28-year-old Brazilian international is also their club captain and still has two years left on his contract with them. The report states that Presnel Kimpembe could be a more realistic target for Chelsea.
