Chelsea have reportedly identified Arminia Bielefeld centre-back Amos Pieper as a possible summer transfer target.
Thomas Tuchel will be heading into the 2022-23 season with something of a new-look defence, as Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are both set to depart upon the expiration of their contracts.
The Blues are expected to spend big on a new centre-back should the proposed sale and takeover go through in time, with Sevilla's Jules Kounde still thought to be on their radar.
However, should Chelsea opt for a cut-price option, The Mirror claims that Arminia Bielefeld's Pieper is on the list, with the 24-year-old also out of contract in the summer.
Pieper rose through the youth ranks at Borussia Dortmund and has started 26 Bundesliga games for Arminia this term, but his side are six points adrift of safety in the relegation zone.
Newcastle United, Southampton and former club Dortmund are also said to be keeping tabs on Pieper, who was called up to Germany's Olympic squad for the Tokyo Games last year.
Ben Knapton
