Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Presnel Kimpembe and Diego Costa Rumours

Negotiations over a new contract between reported Chelsea target Presnel Kimpembe and Paris Saint-Germain are said to have stalled.

According to L’Equipe (h/t Dipesh Agarwal of Sport Witness), there has been little progress in discussions between the French champions and the young defender when it comes to an extension, with PSG sporting director Patrick Kluivert not yet convincing the 21-year-old to sign on. Kimpembe reportedly wants to meet with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi for talks.

Interest from Chelsea is noted in the report. Per Agarwal, a separate article from L’Equipe had previously confirmed the Blues' interest in securing the centre-back despite bringing David Luiz back to Stamford Bridge from the French capital.

Kimpembe has helped fill the void that was left by Luiz late in the window, shining at the centre of Unai Emery’s back four.

Here’s a look at what he can offer:

Indeed, his displays show why PSG were happy to let Luiz leave with little time to recruit a replacement.

Despite his relative inexperience, Kimpembe has been very assured in his work at centre-back so far for PSG, showing great composure and sharp focus alongside Marquinhos. The France youth international does look to be destined for the summit of the game, and interest from elsewhere is understandable.

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As we can see here, according to Squawka Football’s rating system, the 21-year-old has been one of the standout young players in European football this term:

Chelsea could certainly do with some defensive reinforcements. Even with Luiz rejoining the Stamford Bridge outfit, the Blues have looked far from secure in their defensive duties, with the likes of Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic struggling. Kimpembe would potentially be a fine option to call upon in both the long and short term.

However, with Luiz gone, there’s a massive opportunity for the centre-back to push for a starting spot at the Parc des Princes, and with two years remaining on his current deal, there’s nothing to worry about quite yet for the capital club.

Koke Discusses Diego Costa Move

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Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has admitted he would have loved to have seen Diego Costa return to the club from Chelsea in the summer.

“Diego had few amazing years at Atletico, he is an impressive player,” he told Radio Marca (h/t Agarwal). “Yes, I would have liked him to come back, make no mistake, but it wasn’t possible.”

As noted in the piece, there were strong rumours throughout the summer that Atletico were keen to land Costa. The rumbustious goal-getter left the club in 2014 to join Chelsea and has secured his position as one of the Premier League’s very best centre-forwards.

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He’s fondly remembered in Madrid, too, having fired the team to a remarkable title win in his final campaign.

Here’s a reminder of just how good Costa was in that incredible 2013-14 season:

After a difficult second season with Chelsea, Costa has rediscovered his best form under new Blues manager Antonio Conte.

ESPN FC’s Liam Twomey thinks the striker has been the standout player in the Premier League, with six goals netted already:

There seemed to be genuine interest from Atletico in re-signing their former forward, and given the esteem he’s held in in the Spanish capital, that would have been tempting for Costa. However, the Blues stood firm, Atletico moved for Kevin Gameiro and Costa ended up staying at Stamford Bridge.

Now he’s looking like one of the finest strikers in the world again—a far cry from the frustrated figure he cut early last term. Back in La Liga he would have no doubt thrived, although the physical English game is the perfect environment for Costa to show his best.