Chelsea have held serious talks over summer signing – Club ‘stepped on gas’ to beat Blues

RB Leipzig defender Marcel Halstenberg has held ‘concrete talks’ with Chelsea over a move this summer.

That’s according to Sky Sports Germany, who say the Blues had ‘signalled their interest’ in bringing the player to Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are on the hunt for new defenders this summer, with Antonio Rudiger having left to join Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen joining Barcelona.

Cesar Azpilicueta could also follow the latter to the Camp Nou, leaving a huge hole in Chelsea’s defence that will have to be filled.

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It appears Halstenberg is a name on their list, with Sky reporting that Chelsea had ‘signalled interest’ and even gone as far as to hold ‘concrete talks’ with the player about a move to London.

However, there is now one major obstacle in their way, Halstenberg has recently signed a new deal with Leipzig.

He was entering the final year of his deal but has now extended until 2024, with it explained the German club ‘stepped on the gas’ to get an extension signed in the last few days.

That was presumably after catching wind of Chelsea’s efforts, and if the Blues are still keen, they’ll now have to work out a different transfer strategy.