Chelsea target £8.5m Jonathan Clauss to compete with Reece James | Soccer

Thomas Tuchel needs to strengthen all areas of his defense ahead of the new season following the departures of Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso could also leave before the window is up.

Azpilicueta was adept at marking Reece James on Chelsea’s right flank but, according to French newspaper La Voix du Nord, the club are targeting Clauss if the Spaniard leaves.

The report claims that Chelsea have been monitoring Clauss’ performances in Ligue 1, while Lens are ready to sell the 29-year-old if his €10m (£8.5m) valuation is met.

Clauss was Lens’ standout performer in Ligue 1 last season, providing 11 assists and scoring five goals during the season.

The right-back was also included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season, which also included Marquinhos, William Saliba and Kylian Mbappe.

Clauss has just one year left on his contract with Lens and has no plans to extend his current deal as he has attracted interest from Marseille and Atletico Madrid as well as Chelsea.

During an interview with RMC Sport in May, Clauss was asked which club he dreams of joining.

“It’s been Chelsea since I was a kid and it’s always Chelsea,” he replied.

Clauss has been crowned by France four times and is pushing to secure a place in Didier Deschamps’ squad for their World Cup campaign later this year.

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