Chelsea's rebuild under Liam Rosenior continues to gather pace following the dramatic departure of Enzo Maresca earlier this month.
The 41-year-old arrived from Strasbourg on a stunning six-and-a-half-year contract and has wasted no time identifying areas which require immediate strengthening in January.
RC Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior is interviewed before the match
Rosenior faces the challenge of transforming a squad that sits fifth in the Premier League table, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal, and on a run of just two wins from their last 10 games in all competitions.
The Blues have shown flashes of their best, reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals, beating Barcelona 3-0 on a famous night in Europe and maintaining their charge for Champions League qualification.
However, they've been on a torrid run of late, with the largely inexperienced Rosenior now tasked with steadying the ship.
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The new manager has already made clear his transfer priorities as well, with Chelsea reportedly preparing a substantial £130 million January transfer outlay, which includes a potential move for 2025 summer target Fermin Lopez from Barcelona.
However, the former Hull City boss recognises that defensive solidity must form the foundation of any successful campaign.
Chelsea have looked vulnerable at the back this season, shipping goals at crucial moments and lacking the physical presence required to compete against the Premier League's more direct opponents.
General view of a Chelsea flag inside the stadium before the matc
Taking this into account, Rosenior has now reportedly identified his primary centre-back target for the winter.
Rosenior asks Chelsea to sign Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae
According to reports from Spain, £200,000-per-week Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae has emerged as the leading candidate to bolster Chelsea's defense.
kim-min-jae-bayern-munich
The South Korea international currently finds himself in an uncomfortable situation at Bayern where playing time has become increasingly scarce in the German giants' rotation system.
His lack of continuity represents a dramatic fall from grace for a player who joined Bayern with considerable fanfare.
The 29-year-old, who José Mourinho tried to bring to Tottenham when he was manager of the north Londoners, now finds himself facing uncertainty surrounding his future.
Kim has been in and out of the starting eleven this term, but made a solid comeback from injury in a 5-0 friendly win over Salzburg this week to round off Bayern's post-winter break preparations.
Chelsea view his current situation as a genuine market opportunity, with Rosenior asking Chelsea to target the towering Asian defender.
As well as this, it is believed that BlueCo are ready to pay up to £26 million for Kim's signature this month, while Bayern are open to selling.
The Bavarians will apparently sanction a departure if an acceptable proposal arrives during the window. The Bundesliga champions need to adjust their squad and no longer consider Kim untouchable given his secondary role.
VfB Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade in action with Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha and Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae
A sale would allow Bayern to free up significant wage space while generating funds, and their willingness to negotiate could encourage Chelsea to pursue a deal, with Rosenior conveying his belief that Kim represents exactly the profile Chelsea require.
The manager wants a physically imposing centre-back with international experience who can dominate aerial duels and provide leadership from the back. Kim's attributes may align perfectly, and with just two years remaining on his current deal, he could be available for a cheap-ish fee.
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