Exclusive - Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has informed the Stamford Bridge hierarchy of his desire to be reunited with Marco Verratti at Stamford Bridge, having previously worked with the Italian at former club Paris Saint-Germain for two and a half years.
Verratti has spent most of his senior career with PSG, playing close to 350 games for the club since joining them 2012, and has established himself as one of Europe’s top technical central midfielders.
In just a few months at Chelsea, Tuchel has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a struggling side from predecessor Frank Lampard, reaching FA Cup and Champions League finals.
Tuchel was a big fan of Verratti’s during their time together in Paris and 90min understands that he has spoken to Chelsea officials about his interest in working with the player again. What’s more, sources close to Verratti have indicated he would consider a move to the Premier League.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have all shown interest and enquired about Verratti in the past, but Chelsea are now understood to be gathering information on him. That due diligence will determine whether they go ahead with a more formal approach.
Chelsea are currently well stocked in central midfield and it may be that Tuchel is willing to sacrifice one of his existing players so a move for Verratti could realistically go ahead.
Verratti himself is understood to be intrigued by the possibility of moving to London. He is currently nursing a knee injury that makes him a doubt to play for Italy at Euro 2020 this summer, but it is not a serious or long-term concern and would not impact an approach should one materialise.
The 28-year-old has won seven Ligue 1 titles with PSG, including four domestic trebles.
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Source : 90min