Chelsea enquire about availability of £60 million Porto winger

Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the season on Sunday as Leeds United cruised to a 3-0 victory over them, leaving Thomas Tuchel visibly frustrated. 

The Blues have now won one, drawn one and lost one of their first three Premier League games this year, leaving them with four points.

In the wake of their humiliation at Elland Road, it appears that Tuchel has once again looked to their transfer market to solve his side’s issues.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Chelsea have made an enquiry about Porto winger Pepe.

The Brazilian emerged as a potential replacement for Luis Diaz, who joined Liverpool in January, finishing the season with four assists in his last seven league matches.

In total, Pepe scored six goals and provided six assists across all competitions as Porto completed the league and cup double.

Tuchel is keen to add attacking players to his squad

The winger won’t come cheap, though, with the report claiming that Porto will not let the payer leave for less than his 70 million euros release clause.

It is claimed that the 25-year-old has also been the subject of interest from other unnamed clubs in Europe, despite having spent only one season outside of his native Brazil.

Last summer, Pepe joined Porto from Brazilian top flight side Gremio, who he made more than 100 appearances for.

Tuchel is keen to add at least one attacker to his squad, with both Anthony Gordon and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang believed to be in talks with the club over a possible late move.

Chelsea have so far let both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner leave, but Raheem Sterling is the only forward to have arrived at Stamford Bridge and Tuchel may therefore feel that he is lacking up front.