Chelsea transfer round-up – Gimenez responds to rumours, Tuchel seeks ‘profiles’

It may not have been how Thomas Tuchel expected to finish the season, but Chelsea have at least secured Champions League football again ahead of the upcoming final.

The Blues were beaten by Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League campaign, opening a door for Leicester to swoop in and snatch their top four spot.

But the Foxes' failure to overcome Tottenham at home ensured Chelsea will be in the competition regardless of the result of the clash with Man City, releasing some of the pressure.

Perhaps more importantly, qualification has also given Chelsea's recruitment department the green light to start planning their summer transfer strategy as they target new signings for next term.

With that in mind, here is the latest Chelsea gossip.

Gimenez responds to rumours

Jose Gimenez has responded to rumours linking him with a move to Chelsea by reaffirming his commitment to Atletico Madrid.

The Uruguayan defender, 26, is said to be on the Blues' radar this summer as they look to shore up their back line.

But Gimenez – who has just won the La Liga title with Atleti – says he has no intentions of playing elsewhere next season.

“I’m not leaving Atlético Madrid this summer. I’ve no doubt, I’m staying”, he told Carrusel Deportivo.

United's plan to stump Kane rivals

Manchester United believe they will fend off competition to land Harry Kane this summer by offering him a more lucrative financial package, reports The Times.

Chelsea and Man City are both also fighting for the Tottenham star as he looks to force his way out of his current club.

Tottenham have demanded Kane submit a formal transfer request if he wants to leave, though that could mean he misses out on loyalty bonuses.

But United are said to be willing to reimburse Kane for any lost income if he chooses to join them in the coming months.

Tuchel clarifies transfer role

Thomas Tuchel says he looks for 'profiles' of players rather than necessarily certain individuals, but admitted he does suggest names to the Chelsea board for prospective transfers.

The Blues' boss is preparing for his first window in the hotseat at Stamford Bridge and it is expected the club will back him fully in his search for new additions.

"I want to be a coach and I'm so happy to be a coach here. I don't want to get involved in all the things that are needed to have a transfer," he told Sky Sports.

"I clearly give my opinions, I'm asked my opinion, I have an opinion, I suggest names, I listen to the scouting, listen to the loan department, and then we have a full picture.

"And this picture will be adapted many, many, many times during holidays [summer]. It will be adapted during pre-season because it has to be because of developments: hopefully not injuries, the wish for some players to exit.

"But in general I have ideas of profiles. What profile can help us. Profile of characteristics of players, what kind of skills do we need for this team to improve, and then it's an open talk. It's a group who decides it with me, scouting and the board."

Source: Read Full Article