Chelsea have reportedly identified a Bayern Munich defender as a potential summer transfer target.
The Blues are currently in a fight to secure European football for next season, not helped by dropping down to sixth place in the Premier League table.
However, regardless of whether Enzo Maresca's side can earn a spot on the continent for 2025-26, there will be more movement in the market.
Although Chelsea are well stocked for central defenders, Maresca has spoken openly regarding a lack of leaders in the dressing room, something that he may look to rectify at the end of the campaign.
According to Sky Deutschland, club officials have already initiated contact with the representatives of one of Bayern's centre-backs.
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Chelsea showing Kim interest
The report alleges that the West Londoners are interested in negotiating a deal for South Korea international Kim Min-jae.
In 2023, Bayern shelled out €50m (£42.9m) to sign Kim from Napoli, and he has since gone on to make a total of 78 appearances in all competitions.
With Bayern pushing to win the Bundesliga title and Kim having a contract until 2028, a transfer to Stamford Bridge may not necessarily appeal to the 28-year-old or his employers.
Nevertheless, a report from Foot Mercato has suggested that Kim would like to play in the Premier League at some point in his career.
Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to rival Chelsea in any race that materialises over the coming months, the Magpies in a better position to deliver Champions League football as it stands.
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Is a deal realistic?
With Chelsea having predominantly signed younger players, acquiring someone of the experience of Kim would represent a change in approach.
That said, Maresca has given the impression that he would not be against at least one or two older heads in the dressing room going forward.
For Kim, a scenario may arise where he has to decide on Champions League football or living in London, with Chelsea currently outsiders to deliver the former.
If he did move to Chelsea, Kim may also want guaranteed starts; he could end this season as someone who has featured regularly in Serie A and Bundesliga title triumphs in two of the last three campaigns.
Darren Plant
