CHELSEA could line up with SEVEN new signings this season.
The Blues have been linked with several players this summer and are now believed to be plotting a raid of Barcelona.
The Spanish giants hijacked Chelsea’s attempts to sign Raphinha and Jules Kounde but Thomas Tuchel could get revenge by luring Frenkie de Jong and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the club.
Tuchel reportedly wants to sign a striker following the departure of Romelu Lukaku and he is keen on Aubameyang, who he worked with at Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea have also held talks with RB Salzburg about a move for £55m-rated forward Benjamin Sesko amid interest from Manchester United.
De Jong has also emerged as a transfer target and is said to be open to the switch as Chelsea negotiate a fee with Barca, who want £72m.
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The Dutchman could be joined in a new look Blues midfield alongside Carney Chukwuemeka, who is set to complete a £20m deal from Aston Villa.
Should Chelsea miss out on De Jong owner and interim sporting director Todd Boehly could swoop for Cesare Casadei.
The 19-year-old is considered the jewel of Inter Milan’s academy but the Italian side are demanding £17m for the youngster after rejecting Chelsea’s £6.7m bid.
Chelsea are still prioritising defensive signings and were thought to be close to sealing Marc Cucurella for £52.5m before Brighton denied an agreement had been reached.
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A deal could still be reached although Tuchel has other targets in mind including Leicester’s Wesley Fofana, though the Foxes are demanding £85m to let the Frenchman leave.
Another option is RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol, who could arrive in a swap deal that would see Timo Werner moving the other way.
Tuchel also likes the look of Denzel Dumfries and Chelsea are set to hold talks with Inter, who have set an asking price of £29.3m for the right-back.
Dumfries’ arrival could mean Reece James operates in central defence more often, as he did on occasion last season.
Tuchel appears to be keen to find a back-up for his wing-backs with Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters also linked with a move as Marcos Alonso’s future hangs in the balance.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
