Chelsea have reportedly been told that they will have to pay €50m (£43m) if they wish to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe this summer.
The Blues are expected to sign two new centre-backs in the current market, with both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger leaving the club on free transfers.
Cesar Azpilicueta could also depart in the coming weeks, with Barcelona still believed to be pushing to sign the Spain international in the current market.
Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt and Manchester City's Nathan Ake continue to be linked with moves to Stamford Bridge, but Kimpembe has also reportedly been identified as a target.
According to Foot Mercato, PSG are keen to keep hold of the France international but would be prepared to let him leave for a fee in the region of €50m (£43m).
© Reuters
Kimpembe, who still has two years left to run on his current deal, made 41 appearances at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing two goals and one assist in the process.
The defender featured on 30 occasions in Ligue 1, as Mauricio Pochettino's side won the title, while he played seven times in the Champions League, with the capital outfit reaching the round of 16.
In total, Kimpembe has played 220 times for PSG, contributing three goals and two assists in the process, since debuting for the club in 2014.
The Frenchman joined his current side's academy in 2005 and progressed through the various age groups before making his first-team debut against Lens in October 2014.
A hugely successful period in the first team has seen the centre-back win five Ligue 1 titles, four Coupe de France trophies and four Coupe de la Ligue crowns.
© Reuters
Chelsea are yet to make a first-team signing this summer, but Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja, Emerson Palmieri, Ethan Ampadu, Michy Batshuayi and Matt Miazga are back at the club following loan spells.
Romelu Lukaku is heading back to Inter Milan on loan this summer, which will lead to Thomas Tuchel's side bringing in at least one new forward.
A deal for Manchester City's Raheem Sterling is believed to be advancing, while the capital giants are said to be in the running to sign Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer.
Leeds United's Raphinha also continues to be strongly linked with a move to the Blues, although Burnley's Maxwel Cornet has allegedly been identified as a possible alternative.
Chelsea will kick off their pre-season against Club America on July 16, while their opening match of the 2022-23 Premier League season will see them take on Everton on August 6.
Matt Law
