Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Marco Reus, Andrej Kramaric and More

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich appear to be out of the race to sign German wizard Marco Reus, providing encouragement to Chelsea and their Premier League rivals.

Hannah Duncan of Metro reports Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer has distanced his team from a move for the attacker.

"There is no contact," he told Kicker.

Reus' club, Borussia Dortmund, have already sold two of their star assets to their huge rivals in recent times, with Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze joining Pep Guardiola's outfit. 

Duncan also states that Jose Mourinho has said he is not interested in Reus at present. However, his opinion might change after he learns of Bayern's latest stance.

Dortmund have surprisingly struggled at home this term, and this could trigger a fire sale if matters do not dramatically improve. BVB currently sit bottom of the Bundesliga, per Sky Sports, leaving Reus' future with his club in doubt.

Bleacher Report German football expert Clark Whitney recently cited Bild on social media, saying Reus had not accepted Dortmund's new contract offer to tie him to the team, despite being given a deadline by the club CEO:

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

In other news, Chelsea are said to be on their way to adding another striker to their squad with the capture of Andrej Kramaric.

Jamie Sanderson of Metro says the Special One is "close to winning the race" for the Rijeka attacker, who has also been subject of interest from Tottenham and Juventus.

The Croatian has been in stellar form this season with an extraordinary goal record.

Kramaric has 28 goals in 28 games this campaign, per Sanderson, with Chelsea only having to pay a "nominal fee" for the player as things stand. 

Meanwhile, Blues fans will be concerned to hear that one of their most consistent defenders is currently being linked with a move away to one of Spain's giants.

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Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star says Cesar Azpilicueta has caught the eye of both Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the player has now come out and dedicated his immediate future to the Blues:

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I don’t think about it because I’m happy here. I follow La Liga but don’t think of going back there. I’m really enjoying London now. I prefer the Premier League and I’m eager to improve.

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Azpilicueta's words will be a tonic to both Mourinho and Stamford Bridge supporters, who have seen the player develop into one of the Premier League's most valuable defensive talents.

He was recently dubbed the best player of his type by Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher during their analysis for Sky, per Turrell, and it is no surprise why they concluded this.

Chelsea's success has been built on their back four this season, and despite their embarrassment of riches in midfield and attack, it is players like Azpilicueta who have held matters together for the team.