Six players Chelsea could sign before the season begins

Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain)

NOTE: Season stats will not be attributed to defenders as they tend to be tracked less consistently/objectively

Centerback options are seeing their availability dwindle and with Chelsea still needing to complete two defensive transactions, Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe might be the last remaining key player to monitor. It’s hard to imagine a PSG that doesn’t feature the 26-year-old defender, as he’s a homegrown talent that has endured a lot of turmoil—including the departure of Tuchel. Yet, the team has decided to make him available nonetheless, and Tuchel seems interested in a reunion with his old defender.

Kimpembe is a known commodity, so there’s no point in over-explaining his value. For those who don’t watch much of the French Champions, the skinny centerhalf is a ball-playing central defender with an exceptional knack for interceptions. He’s a dynamic centerback who recovers the ball well while also being willing—and able—to push the ball forward and play a high line. Kimpembe is a highly intelligent player who could replicate the value that Antonio Rudiger provided in possession; think explosive runs, physicality and good positioning.

The bottom line is this: Tuchel is familiar and comfortable with Kimpembe and the defender can serve as a full-time anchor of the defense. His calm presence and existing relationship with Thiago Silva would likely contribute to a quick integration, as well. There’s not many bad things to say about Kimpembe and if the Blues can secure him on a smart deal, they should exhaust their options to do so sooner rather than later.

Sergino Dest (Barcelona)

NOTE: Season stats will not be attributed to defenders as they tend to be tracked less consistently/objectively 

I am not a betting man, but if I were, my money would be placed on Sergino Dest joining Chelsea this offseason. The reasoning is pretty straightforward: Barcelona has an interest in both Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. Thus, the Blaugrana need to process some outgoings, and Dest fits an immediate need at Chelsea. More than that, I have my suspicions that Boehly will look to expand interest in the U.S. market, and Dest is a young player who will expect to feature in the  United States Men’s National Team during the upcoming World Cup.

Dest is, however, much more than a marketing opportunity with excellent future potential. He fits Tuchel’s wingback archetype perfectly. He’s an experienced fullback who has seen high levels of success in a possession-based system. His ability to play on both sides is notable, but what makes him stick out is his affinity for progressing the ball. His 87.7 percent pass completion rate qualifies him among the 96th percentile across all leagues and he generates 2.32 shot-creating actions per 90. The data tell us that Dest is a fullback who creates for himself and others at an elite level.

Where Dest is lacking is his technical proficiency as a defender. Despite having a very high work rate, he struggles with his physicality and often loses when jockeying with stronger attackers or when engaged in aerial battles. Dest presses well and he is aggressive as a tackler. He’s likely best suited to Chelsea if it maintains its current 3-4-3 system.