Chelsea have now made contact about a deal for an "outstanding" player who's been heavily linked with Sunderland, and is also being targeted by a whole host of Europe's top clubs.
Blues eyeing defensive rebuild in the summer
The Blues have set out to upgrade their options at the back this summer, and they are expected to sign yet another player from sister club Strasbourg, with left-back Valentin Barco in line to become the first new addition to Liam Rosenior's squad.
Barcelona star Jules Kounde, who is capable of playing at right-back and centre-back, is among the targets on the opposite side of defence, with BlueCo determined to get a deal for the Frenchman over the line, and talks have also been held about a deal for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate
However, with widespread recent reports suggesting the 26-year-old is likely to extend his stay at Anfield beyond the end of the season, a lesser-known centre-back has now been identified as a target, with the west Londoners recently ramping up their pursuit.
Talks held about deal for "outstanding" defender
According to a report from Sky Sports, Chelsea have now held talks with the agents of Werder Bremen star Karim Coulibaly, who could be allowed to leave the German club for a fee of around €40m - €50m (£35m - £44m) in the summer.
In fact, Coulibaly is '100%' expected to depart the Bundesliga side in a few months time, amid widespread interest from some of Europe's top clubs, such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United and Napoli.
The 18-year-old has also been identified as a top target for Sunderland, but the Blues are now attempting to hijack the move, having expressed a concrete interest in securing his signature.
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The Gunners are apparently keen.
Having made 22 Bundesliga appearances, the teenager, who stands at a towering 6 foot 3, is enjoying a real breakthrough season in Germany this season, and scout Antonio Mango has been impressed by what he's seen.
The German has become one of Werder Bremen's star players, averaging 7.8 defensive contributions per 90 in the Bundesliga, which is the second-highest number in the squad.
However, Chelsea already have a number of young centre-backs in their ranks, such as Mamadou Sarr and Levi Colwill, and it may be about time they started signing more experienced players, should BlueCo have any ambition of competing for top honours in the near future.