Chelsea 'rejected chance to sign Thilo Kehrer'

The Blues have endured a mixed period in the transfer market with two high-profile additions coming at the same time as numerous knockbacks.

In recent days, it has become apparent that Barcelona are likely to beat the Premier League giants in the race to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

Furthermore, Chelsea acted too slowly when it came to trying to secure the signature of RB Leipzig Nordi Mukiele, who was confirmed as a PSG player earlier on Tuesday.

However, it is unlikely to be the last time that Chelsea and PSG are associated with each other in the current transfer window with the West Londoners known to be interested in Presnel Kimpembe.

According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, PSG instead preferred to send fellow defender Kehrer to Stamford Bridge at some point in recent weeks.

Chelsea are said to have rejected that chance out of hand with Thomas Tuchel seemingly having no interest in signing a familiar face.

Shortly after arriving at Parc des Princes in 2018, Tuchel signed Kehrer for PSG, who went on to make 27 Ligue 1 appearances during his first season in Paris.

However, injury stalled his development in 2019-20, costing him his place in the team, and he has since been used on a rotational basis.

During the most recent campaign, 11 of the versatile German's 27 outings in France's top flight came from the substitutes' bench, and he faces falling further down the pecking order this season.

PSG have already signed Mukiele to compete with Achraf Hakimi at right-back and right wing-back, while Kehrer faces becoming at least fourth-choice option at centre-back depending on whether Christophe Galtier signs a new player for that area of the backline.

Had Chelsea and Tuchel opted to move for Kehrer, his versatility could have helped Tuchel solve issues on the right-hand side of his back three and on the flank.

However, earlier on Tuesday, it was claimed that Chelsea were attempting to sign Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries, who is valued in the region of £34m.