Chelsea are keen on strengthening the squad this summer, and the Blues have already captured Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Chelsea are close to sealing a deal for Jules Kounde as well, as preparations for the 2022-23 season intensifies.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has warned that the new season will even be tougher than the previous one, as the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are also strengthening their squad.

Tuchel has told Chelsea’s hierarchy once again that his squad ‘need to be more competitive’ by adding new signings.

“Somebody told me years ago and I’ll never forget, if you’re on a stairlift that is going down, to maintain your position you have to keep on walking, and this is what it is,” said the Chelsea manager.

“Premier League and high-level sports in general is so demanding that if you want to maintain your position you have to improve.

“We have to do our homework. The other teams are not sleeping, we need to be more competitive than we are at the moment.”