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Julian Nagelsmann and Virgil van Dijk concur on why Chelsea should seal ‘world-class’ transfer
Chelsea have received a significant boost in their reported pursuit of Bayern Munich center-back Niklas Sule next summer.
According to German news outlet Sport 1, the defender does not believe that the entire Bayern Munich hierarchy is interested in signing him to a new long-term contract at the Allianz Arena.
As a result, the report claims that a free transfer for Sule next summer is ‘likely at this point in time,’ with the Blues one of the clubs keeping a close eye on the situation.
It’s also been reported that’many top clubs from England,’ without naming them, have inquired about Sule in recent weeks.
Sule’s contract with the Bundesliga champions expires in less than a year, which is the same length as Antonio Rudiger’s contract with Chelsea.
Bayern Munich are thought to be interested in Rudiger, who the Blues want to keep, suggesting that a swap deal for the two Germany internationals could take place.
Sule, who joined Bayern Munich from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2017 for £18 million, has appeared seven times for the German club in the Bundesliga so far this season, helping the team keep two clean sheets.
The 26-year-old is highly regarded in his native Germany, not least by manager Julian Nagelsmann, who spoke about his world-class potential earlier this summer.
“I think it’s important to be completely transparent with the players,” Nagelsmann said of Sule’s contract situation in Munich.
“The players also need to understand the club’s perspective concerning the contractual situation.
“Niki’s contract expires next year, and his last season was not especially felicitous. But he also has everything that a world-class central defender needs; that should not be forgotten.”
Sule can play as a right-back in addition to his more natural position in the center of a back four, which may entice Thomas Tuchel.
Sule is not the only big-name admirer of Nagelsmann, with Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk admitting two years ago that he is a “great defender,” demonstrating the type of talent Chelsea is looking for.
Speaking ahead of Holland’s clash with Germany in 2019, the Liverpool defender said: “Niklas Sule is a great defender.
“He doesn’t play for Bayern for without reason. I’ve already had some nice battles with him.”
Chelsea were interested in signing Jules Kounde throughout the summer transfer window, but the Blues and Sevilla could not agree on a fee.
The France international has less than three years left on his contract in Seville and has made no secret of his desire to leave the club, but it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will come back in for him.
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Julian Nagelsmann and Virgil van Dijk concur on why Chelsea should seal ‘world-class’ transfer
