Rumour Reel: Presnel Kimpembe to Chelsea while Liverpool seek Fabian Schar?
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Coral’s Rumour Reel
As Antonio Conte’s trademark three at the back formation begins to take shape at Chelsea, he appears to be eyeing a future key component with Presnel Kimpembe to Chelsea linked in today’s back pages.
David Luiz is yet to to make any real positive impact after his return to Stamford Bridge, while Gary Cahill has struggled with his form this term.
Kimpembe to Chelsea?
The 21-year-old centre back has enjoyed a superb start to the Ligue 1 campaign, accompanying either Thiago Silva or Marquinhos in Unai Emery’s backline. Playing 90 minutes in each of his seven league outings, Kimpembe has transformed into a crucial member of PSG’s defence, after taking advantage of Luiz’s exit.
Athletic and a clever tackler, Kimpembe looks tailor made for the Premier League’s rigours. The France-born player is contracted until 2018 however, and PSG will be in no rush to sell a potential future captain in the making.
Another defensive option for Chelsea rumoured today is Real Madrid’s Pepe. After winning two Champions League titles in the Spanish capital, his time appears to be up, after angering Los Blancos with his current contract stance.
The Euro 2016-winning crafty defender is holding out for a two-year deal, but Madrid are remaining firm on their one-term offer. However, Chelsea don’t have a policy of handing veterans more than two season deals and Pepe would likely be no different.
Pepe’s contract runs out this summer and the Brazil-born Portugal international is free to talk to potential suitors in January.
Rampant Reds seek Swiss Schar
According to reports, Liverpool are interested in landing Switzerland defender Fabian Schar.
The 24-year-old £9m rated centre back has excelled this season in the Bundesliga, with Hoffenheim unbeaten in the league this term. Jurgen Klopp’s scouts were reportedly in attendance at Switzerland’s World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Andorra.
Hoffenheim however, are reluctant to let their star defender leave during the winter window and will hold out for a big fee next summer. Despite Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip looking strong in the league so far, Klopp doesn’t appear to be satisfied with his backline and could go all out in January.
Old Lady after Cazorla
Reports emerging from Spain suggest Juventus could be ready to swoop for Arsenal creative midfielder Santi Cazorla. The former Malaga man’s contract expires next year and Serie A champions Juventus appear to be in poll position.
To get ahead of their competition, Juve could offer Arsenal a fee in January to tempt the Emirates outfit into a sale – and so avoiding losing him in the summer for nothing.
However, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Sevilla are all reportedly interested in Cazorla too.
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