Chelsea have stepped up talks over a possible deal for Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram.
The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Chelsea are exploring a deal now after contacting his entourage earlier in the window.
Thuram has interest from a number of clubs but had been considering seeing out the season to leave as a free agent.
Chelsea have stepped up talks to sign Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram
Graham Potter’s west London side are looking to add the French international to their squad
Son of France World Cup winner Lilian Thuram, Marcus made his international debut in 2020 and was part of Didier Deschamps’ side that finished second in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Thuram currently sits second in the Bundesliga goalscoring standings with ten goals from 15 appearance in the German top flight, placing him behind only fellow France international Christopher Nkunku.
A graduate of Sochaux’s academy, Thuram would make his debut for the Ligue 2 side in 2015 before making the move to Guingamp two years later.
After a further two seasons plying his trade at the Stade de Roudourou, Thuram made his way to Monchengladbach for €12million in 2019.
Todd Boehly’s side have already invested this month with the potential of further signings
Since then Thuram has refined his prowess in front of goal, hitting double figures in all competitions in three of his four seasons with the German club.
While it’s uncertain whether Chelsea could persuade Monchengladbach and Thuram to do business this month, Graham Potter is keen to renovate his misfiring team after their recent slump in form.
After their recent 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, Chelsea are tenth in the Premier League.
Chelsea have also shown an interest in Thuram’s brother, Nice midfielder Khephren, 21, as an alternative option to Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.
The Blues have struggled in their pursuit in Argentine World Cup winner Fernandez, with Benfica keen to receive the player’s £106million release clause.
Khephren has made 113 appearances for Nice since joining them from Ligue 1 rivals Monaco.
Newcastle have also been monitoring Kephren while both clubs also like Kouadio Kone at Gladbach.
Chelsea, who officially completed the signing of Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama yesterday, have also checked on Red Bull Leipzig winger Dani Olmo in case talks over Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk come to nothing.
Thuram (R) was part of the France squad that reached the World Cup final in December
Chelsea want the Ukraine flyer but believe his preference is to join Arsenal.
The Gunners are reluctant to pay an inflated fee, however, after offering a deal up to £62m including add-ons.
They are also trying to lower the loan fee asked by Atletico Madrid for forward Joao Felix.
The Blues meanwhile have completed the signing of 20-year-old forward David Datro Fofana on a six-and-a-half year deal from Molde for £8m.
He came just a day after Chelsea confirmed the signing of defender Benoit Badiashile for £35m.
Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhaylo Mudryk has drawn interest from Chelsea and Arsenal
Source: dailymail
