5 realistic centre-back targets for Chelsea this summer

#3 Niklas Sule (FC Bayern Munich)

Niklas Sule has just one year left on his Bayern Munich contract.

Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule is a potential target for Chelsea. He has just one year left on his contract with Bayern, which could convince the Bavarians to cash in on him this summer.

Sule would be an ideal signing for Chelsea, considering Tuchel's style of play. In terms of starting attacks from the back, Sule fits the bill, thanks to his pass success rate of 90.7%, the third-best in the Bundesliga last season.

Amid links to @ChelseaFC, @FCBayernUS coach @J__Nagelsmann says Niklas Sule has world class potential, but needs to work harder. #FCBayern #transfers https://t.co/A8vNVwRNs2

— Bavarian Football Works (@BavarianFBWorks) July 14, 2021

Sule is also a great tackler of the ball, averaging 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga last season and is dribbled past just 0.4 times per 90, returning a solid tackle success rate of 81.6%.

Even if an opponent manages to dribble past him, Sule has the pace to ensure it that doesn't result in a shot at goal. Sule is also an intelligent reader of the game, averaging 1.3 interceptions per 90, and his positional awareness is another key reason for Chelsea's interest in the 25-year-old.

The only issue with Sule is his fitness. He has started more than 20 league games for Bayern Munich just once since his arrival in 2017. It has been a cause of concern for the club, which is why a potential summer exit is on the cards for the defender.

Nevertheless, Sule could provide a suitable foundation to build Chelsea's defence upon. And with his reportedly great rapport with Tuchel, the defender seems a good fit for Chelsea.

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#2 Matthias Ginter (Borussia Mochengladbach)

Matthias Ginter was linked with a move to Chelsea last summer.

Chelsea are also said to be keeping tabs on another German international, Matthias Ginter.

The Borussia Monchengladbach defender was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge last summer before Chelsea signed Thiago Silva from PSG. But since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, Ginter's former manager at Borussia Dortmund, the rumours regarding Ginter have popped up again.

Chelsea target Matthias Ginter ‘flattered’ by interest but rules out summer transfer https://t.co/hTa7ItxTeN

— The Sun - Chelsea (@SunChelsea) August 5, 2020

The 27-year-old is considered to be one of the best centre-backs in the Bundesliga. He was named Germany's Player of the Year in 2019, beating the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry.

Ginter has the experience of playing in a back three, a back four and even at right-back. His versatility could prove to be a huge asset for Thomas Tuchel's side as he would provide considerable depth at the back.

With Ginter's contract expiring in 2022 and Borussia Monchengladbach failing to qualify for any European competition, the defender could be on the move this summer. Chelsea should look to capitalise on the same.

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#1 Jules Kounde (Sevilla FC)

Jules Kounde is attracting interest from a host of top European clubs.

Jules Kounde is widely regarded as one of Europe's most promising defenders since bursting onto the scene with Bordeaux during the 2017-18 campaign.

The Frenchman came through the ranks at Bordeaux before joining Sevilla in 2019 for a reported fee of around €25 million. The 22-year-old has impressed for Sevilla since his move, making 88 appearances across competitions.

Kounde was also part of the Sevilla side that won the Europa League in 2019-20 and has helped them achieve back-to-back fourth-place finishes in the La Liga.

The youngster is now reportedly looking to move on and is already attracting interest from a host of top European clubs. He has rejected an offer from Tottenham Hotspur, as he wants to move to a team that can offer him Champions League football and realistically challenge for domestic trophies.

As such, Chelsea will have an advantage over their London rivals in securing the players signature. But it remains to be seen whether Thomas Tuchel's team submits an offer for Kounde, with several reports suggesting that they are likely to do so.