Chelsea intensify talks for Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram

Chelsea have intensified talks over a potential deal for Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram.

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Chelsea are now looking at a deal after contacting his entourage earlier in the window.

Thuram has had interest from a number of clubs but had considered retiring from the season to go as a free agent.

Chelsea have intensified talks about signing Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram

West London’s Graham Potter’s side are keen to add the France international to their squad

Son of French World Champion Lilian Thuram, Marcus made his international debut in 2020 and was part of Didier Deschamps’ side that finished second at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Thuram is currently second in the Bundesliga top scorers list with ten goals from 15 appearances in the German top flight, behind only his French compatriot Christopher Nkunku.

A graduate of Sochaux’s academy, Thuram made his debut for the Ligue 2 side in 2015 before moving to Guingamp two years later.

After two more seasons at the Stade de Roudourou, Thuram moved to Mönchengladbach in 2019 for 12 million euros.

Todd Boehly’s side have already invested in the potential for more signings this month

Since then, Thuram has honed his skills in front of goal, scoring double digits in three of his four seasons for the German club in all competitions.

While it’s uncertain whether Chelsea can convince Mönchengladbach and Thuram to go into business this month, Graham Potter is keen to rejuvenate his failed team after their recent slump in form.

Chelsea are tenth in the Premier League after the recent 1-0 defeat by Manchester City.

Chelsea have also expressed interest in Thuram’s brother, 21-year-old Nice midfielder Khephren, as an alternative to Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

The Blues have struggled in pursuit of Argentinian world champions Fernandez and Benfica are keen to save the player’s £106million release clause.

Khephren has made 113 appearances for Nice since joining from Ligue 1 rivals Monaco.

Newcastle have also been eyeing Kephren, while both clubs also like Kouadio Kone at Gladbach.

Chelsea, who officially finalized the signing of Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama yesterday, have also reached out to Red Bull Leipzig winger Dani Olmo should talks about Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk fail to materialize.

Thuram (R) was part of the France squad that reached the World Cup final in December

Chelsea want the Ukrainian flyer but believe he prefers to join Arsenal.

However, the Gunners are reluctant to pay an inflated fee after offering a deal of up to £62m including add-ons.

They are also trying to lower the loan fee for striker Joao Felix demanded by Atletico Madrid.

The Blues, meanwhile, have finalized the signing of 20-year-old striker David Datro Fofana on a six-and-a-half-year deal from Molde for £8million.

He came just a day after Chelsea confirmed the £35million signing of defender Benoit Badiashile.

Shakhtar Donetsk striker Mykhaylo Mudryk has attracted interest from Chelsea and Arsenal