Chelsea defender rumors: Lacroix, Sule, Kounde, Torres, Roughan latest

Maxence Lacroix

Despite Maxence Lacroix claiming that he is happy at VFL Wolfsburg, the rumors linking him with Chelsea continue, with RMC Sport now reporting that the Blues have held talks with his representatives. His impressive performances for Die Wölfe in his debut Bundesliga season have seemingly caught the eyes of bigger clubs in Europe.

Lacroix has already rejected two contract renewal proposals from Wolfsburg, and as such, the German club are happy to sell him should he express a desire to leave. Chelsea will face competition from Borussia Dortmund for the 21-year-old’s signing, and both the clubs have made preliminary inquires for his transfer. While Lacroix is being patient for now, a formal offer from either the Blues or BVB may well change his stance.

Niklas Sule

Niklas Sule’s future at Bayern Munich is said to be uncertain, with the Bundesliga side open to selling the defender, if they cannot reach an agreement over a new contract soon. Sule’s contract with Bayern runs till 2022, and Die Roten absolutely want to avoid losing him for free next year.

According to Abendzeitung, Chelsea are still monitoring the situation surrounding the 25-year-old’s future, with a potential transfer very much on the cards. Bayern are seemingly concerned about Sule’s fitness, with some at the German club of the belief that the German international doesn’t work sufficiently hard in training (which should be a big red flag).

That is why, Bayern will not put up too many roadblocks should someone come up with a decent offer for the centre back, as per Sport BILD. Incoming Bayern manager, Julian Nagelsmann knows Sule from their time together at TSG Hoffenheim, however, the club’s hierarchy could still veto his wish of holding on to the player.

Jules Kounde

Another centre back that Chelsea have looked at is Jules Kounde. There were reports that Sevilla are willing to sell him for a discounted price of €60m due to the current economic climate. However, Kounde’s call-up to the France national team for the European Championship has changed the scenario completely, as per La Colina De Nervion.

The La Liga side will now raise his asking price, and should Kounde become a vital part of France’s run-in, or should the Les Bleus do well in the tournament, Sevilla will not accept any offers below his release clause of €90m. Alongside Chelsea, the main contenders for Kounde’s signature are Real Madrid, PSG, and especially Manchester United.

Pau Torres

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona want another left-footed centre back in addition to Eric Garcia, and as it stands, Pau Torres remains at the top of their wish list. The La Liga side are seeking to replace Samuel Umtiti, with the Frenchman set to depart Camp Nou. Despite Barca’s willingness to sign him, the Catalan club will look to pay a lower fee than his €60m release clause.

Seán Roughan

Seán Roughan was recently linked with a move to Chelsea, with reports claiming that he is set to trial with us. Lincoln City manager, Michael Appleton has now confirmed those rumors.

“Opportunities like that don’t come round very often. We’re not going to send Sean out here, there and everywhere. But when Chelsea come knocking, it’s difficult for me to say to ‘Sean, you’re not going’.”

“The reality is, he’s our player and there are different pathways. It’s whether he comes through with us or is part of the model we’re trying to create here, where we try and develop players and move them on for money, then reinvest the money.”

-Michael Appleton; source: LincolnshireLive

Roughan signed a professional contract with Lincoln last year, so Chelsea will need to pay a full transfer fee, and not a compensation fee in order to acquire the 17-year-old’s services.