‘Complete’ defender could be Chelsea’s best option in transfer window as club make contact with player’s camp

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Chelsea have been linked with multiple centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window.

For example, Chelsea are thought to be interested in the likes of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.

It has already been claimed that Chelsea are convinced they will sign Guehi when the market opens again.

However, the Blues are not only looking at Premier League centre-halves like Guehi and Huijsen.

• READ MORE: Crystal Palace open to accepting £30m Chelsea star in Marc Guehi deal, he has no long-term future under Enzo Maresca

Kim Min-jae could be great opportunity for Chelsea in the transfer market

According to journalist Santi Aouna, Chelsea have contacted Kim Min-jae’s camp about a potential transfer this summer.

Kim has not exactly been a huge success at Bayern Munich following his arrival from Napoli back in 2023, but in terms of central defenders, he could prove to be the best option available for Chelsea.

At 28 years of age, the South Korean would bring experience to Enzo Maresca‘s backline, something currently lacking.

Kim is also quite a strong and dominant defender. For example, he is winning 3.06 aerial duels per 90, putting him in the 88th percentile among centre-backs.

The South Korea international’s passing stats are pretty good, too, so he could be a perfect fit for Maresca.

Ultimately, with this Chelsea side lacking experience and a really dominant central defender, Kim could be ideal for them.

While Kim could arrive at Stamford Bridge, Axel Disasi is likely to leave, with the Frenchman already out on loan at Aston Villa.

What Thomas Tuchel has said about Kim Min-jae

If any Chelsea fans are unconvinced about Kim, then they should listen to what their former manager Thomas Tuchel has said about him.

Tuchel worked with Kim during his time at Bayern and spoke very highly of the ex-Napoli star.

“He played an outstanding season in Italy and in the Champions League,” Tuchel was quoted as saying by The Korean Herald in 2023.

“He was very reliable, very strong defence, good build-up play. Very complete and hopefully he can settle in very quickly and be the defender he used to be.”

Again, then, in terms of available options and considering what Chelsea need, the Blues may not find a better candidate to improve their defence than Kim.