Not many days are left in the January transfer window, but the rumour mill doesn't seem to slow down. Chelsea have been linked with a number of players this month, but as expected, they have avoided any big moves so far. However, the centre-back position has evidently been one of the big gaps in the current Blues' squad that needs filling.
As a result, the club have decided to back new manager Liam Rosenior and avoid making the same mistake they did with Enzo Maresca in the summer. Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Rennes to sign centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, but it looks a little complicated due to difficulties over the fee and availability.
However, the lack of progress on that deal could see the club move to other options. And they have just been linked with another centre-back.
That is none other than Bayern Munich's South Korean centre-back, Kim Min-Jae, who is facing an uncertain future in Bavaria following Jonathan Tah’s arrival. A report from Christian Falk tells CF Bayern Insider:
"It is TRUE: Kim Min-jae’s agents are informed that Chelsea are interested. Chelsea have a shortlist with a few defenders on it – and Min-jae is on this list. Bayern Munich have said that if Kim is happy with the current situation, where he’s not always starting for the club, that’s okay for them. If not, and he asks for a move to get more playing time, FC Bayern are then open for talks. If they want to have talks, they then need money to sign other defenders. They don’t currently have the money to do this. So, Chelsea are a good club for negotiations, if they need a transfer fee for Kim Min-jae. Don’t forget, Bayern originally paid €50m to Napoli for the South Korean defender – so they’d like to get some money back for him."
Chelsea's interest in Bayern Munich player confirmed
Kim has a goal and an assist in 20 appearances across all competitions this season, however he has only started 11 of them. Of course, defenders are measured by their contributions on the other end of the pitch, not what they contribute going forward, although that can be an added bonus as well.
The 29-year-old may not have lived up to expectations during his time at Bayern Munich, but he is a talented player with plenty of experience at top clubs. Kim's contract runs until 2028. Now it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will consider a move for the South Korean defender or not.
It would take a significant fee to sign Kim from Bayern Munich. Also, he is not the profile of player that the Blues have targeted since their change of ownership. So, if a move is made for him, it would come as a bit of a surprise, to be very honest.