Chelsea are reportedly looking to beat Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of RB Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that he is currently prioritising additions to the centre of his backline ahead of the new campaign.
The need for at least one more fresh face for that area of the pitch became increasingly clear on Saturday night as Chelsea succumbed to a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in a pre-season friendly.
As it stands, Chelsea are doing everything possible to sign Sevilla centre-back, although it appears likely that the Frenchman will instead sign for Barcelona.
However, the Premier League giants are also having to consider their options at right wing-back with Cesar Azpilicueta also potentially moving to Camp Nou.
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According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Chelsea have expressed an interest in signing Mukiele ahead of PSG.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated on numerous occasions that the Ligue 1 champions are the clear frontrunners to sign the 24-year-old.
PSG are reported to have reached the "final steps" of finalising a transfer with a verbal agreement between the two teams said to be in place.
However, Aouna says that Chelsea have made contact with RB Leipzig to propose a part-exchange deal involving Timo Werner, a former player of RB Leipzig.
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Tuchel did not approve of Werner's recent comments regarding his future, something which could lead to Chelsea being willing to part ways with the Germany international this summer.
Between 2016 and 2020, Werner netted 95 goals for RB Leipzig in all competitions, a far greater return than he has produced during his stint in West London.
In the case of Mukiele, he would be capable of challenging Reece James for a spot at right wing-back and provide extra cover on the right-hand side of the back three.
The Frenchman made 21 starts and seven substitute appearances in the Bundesliga last season, contributing one goal and three assists.
Darren Plant
