Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia has European advantage in Matthias Ginter chase

Chelsea train ahead of Real Madrid test

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Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia could be successful in any attempt to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defender Matthias Ginter this summer, after the 27-year-old announced his desire to join a team that plays in Europe. The Blues stand a good chance of retaining their Champions League status this season and are likely to seal Europa League qualification if they end up missing out on a top-four finish.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have enjoyed a spell of imperious form since the German manager’s arrival in January, losing just twice in all competitions under his guidance.

The west London club are still in with a shout of winning both the FA Cup and the Champions League, with Real Madrid the only side standing between the Blues and a place in next month’s final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.

Chelsea will travel to face the Spanish giants for their semi-final first-leg clash on Tuesday evening before the return fixture at Stamford Bridge eight days later.

Regardless of whether or not Tuchel manages to lead the club to continental or domestic glory this season, he is likely to be active in the summer transfer window in order to prepare for a renewed Premier League title bid next time around.

Defensive reinforcements are said to be high on the agenda, with the likes of Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde having been linked with the Blues in recent months.

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Ginter is another name to have been mentioned in connection with Chelsea for some time, with reports of the Premier League club’s interest surfacing in pre-season.

However, the speculation has failed to die down, suggesting that a summer move for his services could be on the cards.

It seems likely that Ginter, who is out of contract at the end of next season, will leave Gladbach at the end of the current campaign.

The Germany international appears to have indicated that he would be open to joining Chelsea this summer, telling Sky Germany that he wants to keep testing himself against the best sides on the continent but stressing that a decision is yet to be made.

“Basically, everyone wants to play in Europe,” said Ginter when quizzed on his immediate future.

“But there are a few other criteria that play a role. That’s why we’ll see what happens with the coaching team.

“There have been no talks about it yet. I’m very, very open to staying here.”

Gladbach are currently seventh in the Bundesliga table, with the division’s Champions League spots occupied by Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, VfL Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Die Fohlen are still in the hunt for Europa League qualification, but are nine points adrift of fifth-placed Borussia Dortmund and four behind Bayer Leverkusen in sixth.

Ginter revealed before the start of the season that Chelsea had enquired about the possibility of signing him last summer, but claimed that he was looking to stay with Gladbach for the time being.

“I’m definitely staying in Gladbach,” he told Kicker back in August.

“Of course I heard of the enquiries and was flattered by this attention. But I’ve said often enough how good things are for me in Gladbach.”

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