Transfer Talk: Tuchel readies raid of old club Chelsea

Newly-appointed Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel is preparing to sign two star players from former employers Chelsea.

Tuchel, 49, replaced Julian Nagelsmann at the helm of the Bundesliga giants on Friday afternoon, agreeing a contract until 2025.

The German previously led Chelsea to a Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup before being sacked last September.

And now the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain coach is aiming to recruit two former charges from Stamford Bridge.

According to Calciomercato, Edouard Mendy and Mateo Kovacic will be available this summer for a combined total of around £45million.

Senegalese goalkeeper Mendy has fallen behind Kepa Arrizabalaga in the pecking order under Graham Potter and said to be unhappy with his current situation.

Kovacic, meanwhile, is out of contract at the end of next season meaning the Blues could look to cash in on their Croatian midfielder.

90min say Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool would all also be interested in purchasing the 28-year-old for a cut-price fee.

Negotiations would be complicated by Potter’s admiration of his No8, recently saying: "He’s a fantastic guy, I really like him. 

"He is determined, has character, courage and is prepared to take the ball in tight situations. What he’s achieved in his career with his national team and here at Chelsea, he is an important player for us."

In other news

Newcastle, West Ham and Everton are all in the running to sign Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, reports Ekrem Konur, with the 21-year-old lighting up Ligue 1 on loan at Reims.

Football Insider believe Arsenal remain in pole position to sign West Ham skipper Declan Rice.

The same outlet say Gianluca Scamacca could also leave the Hammers at the end of the season with Serie A giants Juventus a potential suitor.