Chelsea now 'trying to close' £50m signing at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are attempting to reach an agreement for the arrival of Presnel Kimpembe as head coach Thomas Tuchel is desperate to seal a reunion with the Paris Saint-Germain defender at Stamford Bridge, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Tuchel has been given the green light to splash the cash by new owner Todd Boehly, who completed his £4.25billion takeover of the west London club in May, and Kimpembe is firmly in his sights with a deal for Jules Kounde also progressing.

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea remain in talks over a £50million move for PSG centre-half Kimpembe and Tuchel is playing an active part in negotiations.

However, the report suggests fears are growing that the 28-cap France international could reject a switch to Stamford Bridge after also holding discussions with current Blues duo N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva.

It is understood that Kimpembe is settled at his boyhood club and would rather remain in the French capital despite PSG being open to sanctioning his departure.

The 26-year-old has entered the final two years of his £164,000-per-week contract at the Parc des Princes, meaning now would be the perfect time for PSG to recoup his true value.

Kimpembe was a regular starter last season, with him making 41 appearances en route to a sixth Ligue 1 title.

Jones understands that Tuchel is a huge admirer of Kimpembe and, as a result, is determined to convince the central defender to complete a summer switch to Stamford Bridge.

The transfer guru believes Chelsea have zoned in on attempting to get a deal over the line ahead of the new season getting underway.

When asked about the Blues’ interest in Kimpembe, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “There’s no doubt at all that Tuchel wants this guy.

“Kimpembe is