Chelsea enquire about Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters

Thomas Tuchel-Chelsea-UEFA Champions League Final
Thomas Tuchel-Chelsea-UEFA Champions League Final | Photo Credit: IMAGO

Chelsea have turned to Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters as they continue to search for a wing-back this summer.

According to a report by 90min, the Blues have enquired about Southampton’s asking price for the defender. Thomas Tuchel wants to add another defender to his squad ahead of the 2022-23 campaign and after missing out on Matthijs de Ligt, Presnel Kimpembe, Nathan Ake and Jules Kounde during the summer window, they have turned their attention to Walker-Peters.

Brighton‘s Marc Cucurella and Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries are also thought to be on the radar of the Blues, but a deal for Walter-Peters is thought to be easier to pursue given that Inter are reluctant to lose Dumfries. 

However, Saints coach Ralph Hasenhuttl is eager to hold on to the England man who was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the first time last season after excelling during the 2021-22 campaign with the Saint Mary’s side. 

The 25-year-old began his career at Tottenham but joined Southampton for a fee of around £12m plus add-ons in August 2020 after a successful loan spell at the club. 

He has scored one goal and created two assists in the Premier League, which is poor considering the numbers other Premier League full-backs are putting out. However, his attacking numbers does not do justice to his impressive displays last term, which has earned him interest from a host of European clubs including Manchester United, Everton and Arsenal. 

Southampton have attached a £40m price tag on the defender and will look to hold on to the player at all cost.

Despite being eager to add another defender to his ranks ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, it seems unlikely that Chelsea will be willing to pay £40m for the 25-year-old. 

But a deal for the defender will depend on the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, who are both transfer targets of Barcelona. Should the Spanish duo leave, Tuchel will be forced to replace them, and Walter-Peters looks like an ideal candidate for the role.