Chelsea have made contact with French club RC Lens over a move for wing-back Jonathan Clauss, according to GOAL. The 29-year-old has reportedly been a long-term target for Thomas Tuchel, dating back to when he first took the job at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are said to have monitored the France international for the past 50 matches at club level. A fee of roughly £ 10 million would be enough to land him, having continued to impress, even receiving a call-up to the French senior national team back in March.
Clauss would offer a competitive option on the right of the defence, an area that was a problem last season when Reece James was sidelined with serious injuries. It could also mark the end of an era for Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Chelsea captain is said to be of interest to Barcelona, with only one-year remaining on his deal. The Blaugrana have their own difficulties though, with their financial difficulties dictating the business they can conduct.
For Clauss, a move to Chelsea would tick all of the right boxes, given that the Blues play in the same system, in a similar wing-back position in which he would rotate with Reece James.
During an interview with RMC Sport in May, Clauss was asked what club he dreamt of joining.
‘Since I was a kid, It’s Chelsea and it remains Chelsea,’ he replied.
Credits: Football.London
