Chelsea linked to transfers for two Juventus stars and possible exits for defenders and striker

Defensive arrivals and departures dominated the transfer speculation surrounding Chelsea on Wednesday.

The Blues are one of two Premier League clubs to be linked with a move for Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule.

The German international is set to leave the Bundesliga champions this summer after rejecting their latest contract offer.

Goal is reporting the 26-year-old centre-back is attracting interest from the Blues, Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Spanish giants Barcelona.

Bayern interest in Chelsea defender transfer

Intriguingly, the same report suggests Bayern could replace Sule with Blues defender Andreas Chistensen, who continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

The Dane is free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of the Premier League as he heads into the final six months of his deal with the Blues.

Speaking last month, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said: “We are waiting since a long time now for confirmation.

“It is on Andreas to act how he acts on the pitch, he needs to act now off the pitch, and walk the talk because he tells us that he loves Chelsea.

“He tells us that he wants to stay and be a big part, because he is a big part of a big club, and I think he is a perfect fit and I think that he is not done yet here.”

Chelsea stalwart to run down deal to secure La Liga transfer

Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta has become a key figure at Chelsea during a ten-year stay at Stamford Bridge - but he is yet to agree a new deal with his current contract set to expire in June.

Spanish journalist Jose Alvarez Haya has claimed the Spain international with reject any offers of an extension to return to La Liga this summer.

Barcelona are set to offer a three-year contract as uncertainty surrounds the future of current right-back Sergino Dest.

Saints interest in permanent Broja transfer

Another player linked with a permanent move away from Chelsea is young striker Armando Broja.

The 20-year-old frontman has scored seven goals in 21 appearances during a loan spell at Premier League rivals Southampton this season.

The Saints are keen on a permanent move for the Albanian international - but the Mail suggest that move will be made a priority in the summer, rather than before the end of the January deadline.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl recently told TalkSPORT: “We will find the right conversation with the player, the agents, the club. What they want, what Chelsea want.

“I think we should let the young lad develop his game because this is the most important thing for him to play games.

“He likes it here, he enjoys it here, we have a young team and these are all reasons why he develops his game and is getting better.

“In the end we need to make the best decision for the player, when it’s a win, win, win for everybody, then we will find the right decision for the summer.

“As long as he is our player, we will have as much fun with him and make him better.”

West Ham and Newcastle are also said to be monitoring the situation.

Juventus veteran could solve left-back problem

The Blues have been looking to add a left-sided defender to their squad throughout January and have held an interest in a number of possible additions.

The injury suffered by England defender Ben Chilwell has intensified that search and Juventus left-back Alex Sandro is set to be next on their list of targets according to Tuttomercatoweb.

Sandro has 18 months remaining on his current deal with the Bianconeri.

A second Juve defender also linked with transfer

A second deal between Chelsea and Juventus has been speculated in the Italian press with the Blues said to be “leading the chase for Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

Juve’s move for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic means they will look to recoup some funds with a big sale - and De Ligt’s could be allowed to leave for less than the £104million release clause written into his contract according to Calcio Mercato.