THOMAS TUCHEL is favourite to replace under pressure Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone and he could look to bring a number of Chelsea stars with him.
Pressure is mounting on the Spaniards’ legendary long-term boss after the humiliating exit from European football.
The 52-year-old, the world’s highest-paid manager, has been in charge at Atletico since 2011 and has won both LaLiga and the Europa League twice in taking Atletico out of the shadows of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
But this season’s Champions League calamity, while also trailing league leaders Barcelona by 13 points, could see Atletico part ways with Simeone.
Fichajes are claiming that Tuchel is the favourite to take over should Simeone leave and he could transform how the Spanish side look.
A number of stars Tuchel managed at Chelsea could make the switch, as well as some transfer targets that were identified during his 20-month reign at Stamford Bridge.
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One of those stars could be Mason Mount, who is at a contract renewal stalemate with Chelsea.
Mount’s contract expires in 2024 and Chelsea would like to tie the academy product down to a new deal.
The England international played some of his best football under the German.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Chelsea in the summer and was excited to work under Tuchel, who managed him at Borussia Dortmund.
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The pair could reunite for the third time at Atletico with Aubameyang leading the line.
Joao Felix is also reportedly heading for the exit door, leaving a potential opening.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is said to be considering his future at Stamford Bridge after falling behind Kepa Arrizabalaga in the pecking order.
Mendy was Tuchel’s No1 in the 2021 Champions League win.
And RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku could also become a target.
The Frenchman was identified as a transfer option for Chelsea while Tuchel was in charge.
In a sweet bit of revenge, Tuchel could look to scupper Blues owner Todd Boehly and Co’s plans to sign the attacking sensation.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
