CHELSEA have reportedly drawn up an EIGHT-MAN shortlist to solve their centre-back crisis.
And the Blues are also plotting an ambitious raid on Manchester City for Raheem Sterling.
The Telegraph claims incoming owner Todd Boehly will bankroll several big-name signings this summer.
Thomas Tuchel’s priority is to fix the defence with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving on free transfers.
Cesar Azpilicueta is also likely to depart, leaving the Blues light on numbers.
And Chelsea are now looking at eight stars to solve their woes.
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Top of the list is Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, who would play on the right of the back-three.
Chelsea are also looking at left-footer Josko Gvardiol, who has impressed at RB Leipzig this term.
Other options include Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez and Villarreal’s Pau Torres.
And Chelsea have also been linked with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, as well as Leicester’s Wesley Fofana.
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But the Blues could also bolster their attack, with City star Sterling seen as an option should one of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech or Christian Pulisic leave.
The England ace is entering the final year of his Etihad contract and would be exactly the type of big-name signing Boehly wants to make in his first transfer window.
A new midfielder is also likely, with West Ham’s Declan Rice and Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni appreciated.
But there is work to do on contract renewals with some of Chelsea’s current stars.
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Mason Mount and Reece James are in line for bumper new deals after becoming key players for Tuchel.
And Chelsea could also hold talks with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy after two impressive seasons between the sticks.
