Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel tells Marina Granovskaia of PSG transfer desire

Transfer news: Who could be on the move this summer?

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Thomas Tuchel has asked Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia to pursue a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti in the summer transfer window, according to reports. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a successful career with the French heavyweights since joining the club in 2012, winning seven Ligue 1 titles and eleven domestic cups.

Although Verratti has long been regarded as one of the finest technical players in Europe, he has missed a large part of the current campaign through injury, playing just 21 league matches.

He struck up a successful working relationship with Tuchel during the latter’s time in charge of PSG, with the Italian maestro playing an important role in the club’s impressive run to the Champions League final last season.

The Chelsea boss has transformed his side’s fortunes since taking over from Frank Lampard at the end of January, and will get a second shot at European glory in as many years against Manchester City later this month.

Tuchel is said to remain a keen admirer of Verratti, and could look to bring him to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season, according to 90min.

The report claims that the 47-year-old has informed Granovskaia of his desire to reunite with his former player.

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Although Liverpool and both Manchester clubs have previously shown a passing interest in the midfielder, the Blues are believed to be gathering information ahead of a possible approach.

While it remains to be seen whether PSG would entertain any bids for their long-serving playmaker, Verratti himself is said to be keen on the idea of joining a Premier League club.

He is known to be a fan of Tuchel’s management style, praising the German boss after his flying start to life in Paris back in 2018.

“He says things directly, we like that,” Verratti told Le Parisien.

“When he has to congratulate the team, he does it. When there are things that do not work [he lets you know that], too.

“Sometimes he does it in front of everyone, because some situations involve a player but must be understood by the whole team. Sometimes he talks to us individually.

“We have a lot of exchanges. For the moment, it’s a really big surprise for everyone on this level, because we needed a coach like that.”

Tuchel has also waxed lyrical over Verratti in the past, hailing the midfielder as one of the best players in the world at the beginning of last season.

“As I often said, Marco is very important,” Tuchel told reporters. “He’s a key player. He’s one of the best midfielders in the world.

“There is always room for improvement but he’s highly reliable. He has loads of responsibilities inside the group. He always thinks about others and their happiness.

“He’s a team player. Coaching Marco is the best [thing] that can happen to a coach.”

If Chelsea decide to pursue a move for Verratti this summer, it seems likely that at least one midfielder would need to make way.

Jorginho has been linked with a return to Napoli since the turn of the year, with the 29-year-old expressing his love for the city of Naples in a number of recent interviews.

However, the Blues midfielder is under contract until 2023 and has established himself as a vital cog in the machine since Tuchel’s arrival.

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