Chelsea draw-up three-man summer transfer shortlist including Declan Rice, Jules Kounde and Aurelien Tchouameni
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CHELSEA have drawn up a three-man summer transfer shortlist, according to reports.
The Blues elected not to make a single January signing despite injuries sustained by Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
Thomas Tuchel's side did hold interest in Lucas Digne and Sergino Dest.
But rather than splurge cash mid-season, they opted to wait until the summer in order to secure preferred targets.
According to , Tuchel has three particular names in mind.
They claim that the Blues will go back in for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
Chelsea pushed hard to sign the Frenchman last summer, only for the Spanish side to resist.
With the 23-year-old another year into his contract that expires in 2024, however, the Andalusians may this time be tempted to sell.
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Signing a central defender may well become a big priority for the Blues, if they fail to secure renewals for Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta.
All three have entered the final five months of their respective deals.
Next on Chelsea's wishlist is Declan Rice.
The West Ham midfielder, 23, was high on Frank Lampard's wishlist when he was in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's board denied him the England ace, but may now relent and splash out to sign the £100million-rated star now that Tuchel wants him.
Rice will also have two years remaining on his Hammers deal and has shown no signs of accepting a renewal, although David Moyes' side do possess an option to extend the agreement by a year.
The rising star was on the books at Stamford Bridge until the age of 15.
Chelsea could then turn to Ligue 1 to sign another midfielder, with AS Monaco ace Aurelien Tchouameni on their wishlist.
Given N'Golo Kante's persistent injuries in recent years, the West Londoners would like to strengthen their midfield.
Tchouameni, 22, would perfectly match the profile of player that they would like to recruit, given his age and ability.
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