Blow for Chelsea as centre-back target decides to stay put at current club

Presenel Kimpembe decides to stay at Paris Saint-Germain amidst Chelsea links

According to Le10Sport (h/t football.london), Presnel Kimpembe has decided to stay at Paris Saint-Germain this summer and a move to Chelsea now looks unlikely. The French centre-back has chosen not to move to London and will stay in Paris.

Kimpembe has been linked with a move to the Blues this summer as the London club looks for reinforcements in the backline. Thomas Tuchel managed the 26-year-old in his time as PSG boss. It seems a reunion is not on the cards.

Chelsea have been desperate this summer to bring in defensive options. This is thanks to the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen earlier this summer.

Presenel Kimpembe decides to stay at Paris Saint-Germain amidst Chelsea links.
Chelsea target Presnel Kimpembe has decided to stay at PSG. (EP/Panoramic PUBLICATION)

The duo, especially the German, were some of our best defensive options and the Blues have found it difficult to replace them as of yet. Kimpembe would have been a decent option, but the transfer has fallen through.

Not enough singings in the defence

We’ve made one signing for the centre-back position as of now. Kalidou Koulibaly was signed from Napoli a few weeks back. The Senegalese has been one of the best defenders in Serie A for a while now and will now be keen to replicate the form in the Premier League.

But fans will feel it isn’t enough. We need at least a couple of more incoming to solidify the backline. Chelsea can’t expect Thiago Silva to perform at his very best season after season. The Brazilian turns 38 in September.

Presenel Kimpembe decides to stay at Paris Saint-Germain amidst Chelsea links.
Thiago Silva has been one of our best defenders. (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

Cesar Azpilicueta is another veteran we have counted on in the past to play as a centre-back. Last season, the Spaniard’s versatility came in handy with Reece James out injured. The Chelsea captain is also angling for a move away from London.

Our other options right now are inexperienced youngsters. The Blues have been slow in acting on their needs this summer and that has shown during pre-season.

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Kimpembe is a quality defender. The France international is one of Didier Deschamps’ first-choice in the national side. And it’s a shame if Chelsea can’t convince him to move to Stamford Bridge.