THOMAS TUCHEL is set to be handed a £200million transfer warchest as he plots a summer of big-name signings, according to reports.
The Chelsea boss has six star-studded names on his shortlist after the club’s Champions League heroics.
Tuchel will prioritise improving the core of his team including landing a defender, midfielder and a striker.
A new right-sided player also remains a target to offer competition for Reece James despite his sensational performance in Porto.
A new front man remains essential with Timo Werner bagging just six in the league this season.
According to the Telegraph, Harry Kane remains on the wishlist following his determination to quit Tottenham this summer.
Manchester City and United are also interested and it remains to be seen whether a deal for the England superstar can be concluded.
Kane, who won the Golden Boot and the Playmaker award this season, could cost in the region of £150m.
Former striker Romelu Lukaku is also a target with his agent in the stadium to watch Chelsea’s Champions League triumph.
Lukaku, who scored 24 Serie A goals, is likely to cost in the region of £100m and Inter’s financial problems mean they would be willing to listen to offers.
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In midfield, a shock move for Wolves’ Adama Traore is being considered.
Tuchel eyes the speed merchant as an ideal wing-back and is likely to provide competition for James in that role.
Borussia’s Monchengladbach Jonas Hofmann is also a target with Spurs and Leicester in the race for the 28-year-old.
Hofmann’s versatility across midfield makes him a useful acquisition and Chelsea are impressed with his record of 11 assists in 21 league starts.
West Ham’s Declan Rice remains a top target for Chelsea but they know negotiating with the Hammers could prove a thankful task.
West Ham will want over £100m for the 22-year-old while Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni is the cheaper option.
Chelsea’s transfer budget could also increase depending on which players they can offload this summer.
Tammy Abraham is free to leave for £40m while Fikayo Tomori is likely to sign a permanent deal with AC Milan.
When asked on his transfer plans, Tuchel admitted he hopes two or three players will arrive to keep improving his squad.
He said: “Two or three could be very, very good.
“It’s a constant thing to never deny change. That you always bring new energy, new guys who question the old beliefs, who challenge everybody in the training and in matches, so I think it’s a good thing.
“We don’t need another seven and another complete turnover because it’s also our job to keep on improving, because we have still a young squad and it’s not about stealing from them the chance to prove it again that they are capable of growing and evolving.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
