/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69161314/1289005093.0.jpg)
Niklas Süle
Süle has been reported to be one of Chelsea’s primary targets for the centre back position. According to The Athletic and Sky Deutschland, the Blues want to take advantage of the Germany international’s uncertain future at Bayern Munich, and as such, have stepped up their interest in him.
That might have something to do with the player’s contract as well, which is set to expire in 2022. Bayern are yet to start contract renewal talks, and this has apparently made Chelsea optimistic about doing a deal for €30m or thereabouts.
Süle is seemingly not trusted by Bayern to step up once Jerome Boateng and David Alaba depart in the summer, which is why they have signed another big-name centre back in Dayot Upamecano. Süle has also faced criticisms over his fitness and his performances, which the player has deemed to be unfair, but he is relaxed about his future since he knows that he would have plenty of takers if he left Bayern. However, the situation could change if the 25-year-old’s former manager, Julian Nagelsmann, takes over at Bayern as rumored.
In other news @TheAthleticUK
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) April 19, 2021
◾️ Crystal Palace consider Vieira if Hodgson leaves #CPFC
◾️ Chelsea step up interest in CB Sule #CFC #FCBayern
◾️ De Bruyne hopes to return for CL semi-final 1st leg #MCFC #PSG
◾️ Bergwijn enquiries rebuffed #THFC https://t.co/KeGJjyulBT
Raphaël Varane
Diario AS (via Sport Witness) claim that Varane will not sign the new contract extension offered by Real Madrid. Chelsea, as well as Manchester United’s interest in the World Cup-winner well known, but PSG have seemingly joined the race as well. However, Varane is said to be favoring a switch to the Premier League, as also claimed by France Football (via Sport Witness).
✈️ Tuchel ha pedido la incorporación de Varane para la próxima temporada. Termina contrato en 2022 y su intención es abandonar el Madrid este veranohttps://t.co/5gwZoOplkl
— Diario AS (@diarioas) April 19, 2021
David Alaba
Another centre back who was (is?) on Chelsea’s wish-list, but it has become clear in recent weeks that Alaba’s heading elsewhere. Sky Deutschland are reporting that Alaba is set to be confirmed as a Real Madrid player soon, with a 5-year contract agreed.
Sky sources: David Alaba has agreed a 5 year contract until 2026 with @realmadrid. Barcelona is not an option anymore. Contract not signed yet, but will be in the next weeks ✅ #TransferUpdate @Sky_Torben @Sky_Marc pic.twitter.com/jo7DIVjO8g
— Max Bielefeld (@Sky_MaxB) April 20, 2021
Marc Guéhi
Signing a new centre back could be a bad decision from the perspective of our talented loanees, such as Marc Guéhi, who’s been excellent for Swansea City this season and would certainly want to test his mettle at a higher level next season.
One solution could be to loan him to a Premier League club, and according to Football League World, that club could be Swansea City once again — should they be successful in getting promoted. The Swans are currently third, but six points behind the automatically-promoted second place with only four games to go. So, they would have to do so through the playoffs, which is never easy. There’s also competition from Southampton for Guéhi’s signature.