Niklas Sule is a wanted man and Chelsea are believed to be at the front of the queue for Bayern Munich’s defensive colossus. 

The Blues will be in the market for a centre-back this summer and the 6ft 5in German international reportedly fits the bill. 

As Bayern prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker on Saturday evening, we take a look at what Sule (pictured above) could bring to Stamford Bridge next season.

Why are Chelsea interested?

The Blues are keen to add a centre-back to their ranks and were previously linked with Bayern’s David Alaba and RB Leipzig sensation Dayot Upamecano. 

Thomas Tuchel’s side missed out on both targets. But as one door closes, another often opens. 

Alaba appears destined to join Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent at the end of the season, while Upamecano will switch to Bayern for £38million — opening the door to a potential exit for Sule. 

What are Bayern saying?

Bayern boss Hansi Flick responded to Chelsea’s apparent interest in Sule during a press conference last month and did not completely rule out a sale. 

He said: "I’m very happy with his development. Niklas is a very fast player, who is very good on the ball, detached and with the ability to make an impact on the game from the back.

"His physical attributes are an absolute strength. That’s why I’m glad he’s in my team. He has a contract with us until 2022. We will see how it develops, how and where he sees his future."

CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: "We want the good German national team players at Bayern. Niklas still has one year with us. 

"We will hold talks and see where they'll lead. We will look at the whole thing seriously and calmly by the summer."

Do Chelsea need Sule?

Tuchel’s arrival in West London has coincided with remarkable defensive improvements at Chelsea — they are unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions and have only conceded twice. 

But the club are already looking to the future. 

Tuchel has deployed Cesar Azpilicueta as part of a back three, while veteran centre-back Thiago Silva will turn 37 next season and Fikayo Tomori's loan to AC Milan could be made into a permanent switch.  

That is why bringing a younger defender to Stamford Bridge in the summer remains a priority.

What kind of player is he?

Comfortable on either side of a centre-back pairing, Sule has appeared at right-back in his last three appearances for Bayern. 

It is no surprise the towering 25-year-old is imperious in the air, although it is worth noting he has won a significantly lower percentage of his aerial duels this season (61.4%) than he managed in 2019-20 (84.2%). 

The 29-cap international is exceptionally comfortable with the ball at his feet, taking 96.36 touches per 90 minutes this season (the 11th most in Germany’s top flight) and completes an outstanding 91% of his passes — only three Bundesliga players have a better record. 

Those stats would certainly appeal to Tuchel and fit in with his possession-heavy brand of football. 

A deal to be done?

Sule’s contract expires in the summer of 2022. If Bayern do not tie the former Hoffenheim defender down to a new deal soon, they risk losing him for free.

Die Roten’s defence has been uncharacteristically porous this season, leaking 1.39 goals per 90 minutes, which is only the joint fifth-best record in the division. 

Add in Sule’s injury issues last season and it is not hard to see why the Bavarians would consider changing things at the back. 

If Chelsea can meet Bayern’s reported £41m asking price, it would not be a surprise to see their German revolution continue.