Chelsea enter race to sign Bundesliga defender

Chelsea will face Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus and AC Milan during a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia this summer. 

Xabi Alonso will take his side to Australia for games against Western Sydney Wanderers and Spurs, before facing Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta’zim in Asia.

The west London outfit then visit neighbours Fulham on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, before hosting Brighton and Hove Albion in their first home match of the new campaign.

Ahead of the new season starting, it appears that Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in a highly-rated defender from the German top flight.

As reported by TEAMtalk, Chelsea have entered the race to sign Werder Bremen defender Karim Coulibaly this summer.

The 19-year-old centre-back has emerged on the radar of several top sides, having enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign last term.

Alonso will be keen to add to his squad this summer (Photo: Alamy)

Coulibaly joined Bremen from fellow German side Hamburg in 2024 and has since made 27 appearances for the club, all in the Bundesliga.

Chelsea have adopted a policy of signing talented young players since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022, and it appears that the Premier League side are contining to do so.

The report claims that Coulibaly’s composure and strength are two attributes that have see him stand out to Chelsea’s scouts, with the player valued at around £40 million at present.

The defender has three years remaining on his current contract with Bremen, but the German side are likely to face a battle to keep hold of the player beyond the end of the current transfer window.

Chelsea will face fierce competition in the race to sign the player, though, with both Manchester United and Newcastle United said to be monitoring him.

Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be keeping tabs on the player.