Record transfer could tempt Chelsea as Tuchel calls for “patience”

Maurizio Sarri has reportedly reached out to Chelsea in the hope of signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, while Thomas Tuchel has asked for “patience” as the Blues try to tie down Antonio Rudiger to a new contract.

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In pictures: Chelsea v Leeds

Thomas Tuchel would have breathed a huge sigh of relief on Saturday at full time against Leeds.

Chelsea were eventually able to get the better of their opponents 3-2, with Jorginho’s second penalty of the day deciding a gripping game in the 94th minute of the match.

Blues fans will be delighted their team picked up the three points after a ropey run of results as of late, although there are clearly some issues for the team to resolve if they are to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool over the course of a season.

Some of those solutions could come in January, with players linked with moves in and out of Stamford Bridge. Mirror Sport has your latest Blues headlines.

Do Chelsea need to add to their squad to challenge for the title? Let us know in the comments below!

Sarri keen on Kepa

According to Il Messaggero (h/t Metro), former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has reached out to the Blues regarding the possible transfer of Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Spain international became the most expensive goalkeeper of all time when he joined Chelsea from Athletic Club in 2018, but in his three years at Stamford Bridge he has failed to find consistency.

The Blues drafted in Eduoard Mendy in the summer of 2020 and his excellent performances have seen Kepa relegated to second choice.

Sarri, who is now in charge of Lazio, is said to be ready to give the 27-year-old a way out of the Bridge, as he eyes a long-term replacement for his current starting stopper Pepe Reina.

Tuchel calls for Rudiger patience

Tuchel believes Chelsea need to be patient in their negotiations with Antonio Rudiger, who is still yet to sign a contract extension at Stamford Bridge.

The German has been linked with a host of top clubs and with no new deal signed he is free to begin talks with overseas outfits with a view to a free transfer at the end of the season.

Blues supporters will be keen to see Rudiger stay, as he has been vital to Tuchel’s success so far. The manager believes a calm approach to the negotiations is important though, per The Independent.

“There is no doubt in that and yes, it’s true, nobody is bigger than the club, nobody,” said the Chelsea boss. “This is a team effort, and it is a team game, and it is a strong club, and it is about the club.

“t is also not about me and it is not only about Toni. And I mean that in the best way, because we know what he’s doing and we’re fully aware of it. So both answers are right and in the end we need a bit of patience. I have no update right now.”

Chelsea go ‘after’ Gavi

According to Super Deporte (h/t Sport Witness ), Chelsea want to capitalise on Barcelona’s failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages by signing Gavi.

In the report, it’s suggested the cash-strapped La Liga outfit are set to miss out on £17 million after their group-stage elimination and as a result they are “urgently in need” of some income.

As a result, it’s said they will need to sell one of the club’s academy sensations in Pedri, Nico Gonzalez or Gavi, who has made a huge impression for club and country despite being just 17 years old.

Chelsea are “after the services” of the Barcelona tyro and “already studying offers” to try and prise the tyro away from the Camp Nou.