Presnel Kimpembe defends past PSG comments on future amid Chelsea transfer interest

Presnel Kimpembe has clarified comments from earlier this month where he spoke about his future at Paris Saint-Germain. The France international has just over two years remaining on his contract with PSG and Chelsea hold an interest in the defender.

Kimpembe flourished when playing under Thomas Tuchel when the two were in the French capital together. Now, with Chelsea looking to bolster their defensive options this summer, the 26-year-old is on the shortlist, football.london understands.

Earlier this month, Kimpembe admitted it was a “key moment” in his career. He said: “Everyone knows the love I have for Paris Saint-Germain. It’s reciprocal.

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“I’ll be 27 in August, it’s a key moment in my career. I’m waiting to meet with the new management with regard to the club’s project. We’ll have to speak very soon.”

Some people may have interpreted that wrong and thought it was a hint that he could be leaving PSG this summer, so the defender has now clarified his comments. “I said that I was reaching 27 years of age and that my next contract would be decisive,” Kimpembe said, as per Get French Football News.

“I want to be able to know what the project of the club could be. I didn’t say anything wrong.

“I joined the club when I was 9-10 years old. I think it’s legitimate to ask your club about the future project and what role I am going to be given. For now, I am focused on the French team and on tomorrow’s match.”

With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s departures now both confirmed, Chelsea need to act promptly in the transfer market as Tuchel looks to add defenders. Jules Kounde is believed to be the club’s priority right now.

Personal terms with Kounde have been agreed for some time now, but Chelsea and Sevilla need to reach an agreement over a fee for the Frenchman. Other centre-back options for Chelsea are Josko Gvardiol, Pau Torres, Jose Gimenez and Matthijs de Ligt.