Chelsea Make Contact With Bayern Munich Star Kim, and other transfer news
Chelsea have stepped up their plans to strengthen their defensive unit after making contact with Bayern Munich over the availability of centre-back Kim Min-jae as the January transfer window gathers momentum across Europe.
The South Korea international has emerged as a serious option for the Blues as they continue to assess ways to add experience and physical presence to a back line that has lacked consistency this season.
Chelsea’s enquiry signals growing intent rather than an immediate bid, but it confirms that defensive recruitment is now a clear priority for the club.
Kim Min-jae only joined Bayern Munich from Napoli in the summer of 2023 following a sensational Serie A campaign that saw him play a key role in Napoli’s historic title win.
His dominant performances in Italy quickly earned him recognition as one of the most reliable centre-backs in European football.
Despite being relatively new to the Allianz Arena, Kim’s future has already become a subject of transfer discussion.
Chelsea’s interest comes amid ongoing speculation that Bayern may be open to listening to offers if the right proposal is placed on the table, although they are not actively pushing the player towards the exit.
The 28-year-old is known for his aerial dominance, strength in one-on-one situations, and calm distribution from the back. These attributes fit closely with Chelsea’s long-term recruitment strategy, which combines physicality with technical quality, particularly in defence.
However, any potential move would not be straightforward. Kim is under contract with Bayern Munich until 2028, placing the German champions in a strong negotiating position. Bayern are unlikely to sanction a mid-season departure unless a significant offer arrives, especially given their own ambitions domestically and in Europe.
While Chelsea continue to explore options at centre-back, attention elsewhere in the transfer market has shifted towards Inter Milan, who are planning ahead in the goalkeeping department. The Serie A champions are understood to have identified Guglielmo Vicario as a leading candidate to eventually replace Yann Sommer.
Sommer remains an important figure at Inter, but the club are aware of his age and are actively preparing for the future.
Vicario’s rise since joining Tottenham Hotspur has impressed Inter’s recruitment team, with the Italian goalkeeper quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence in the Premier League.
Vicario’s reflexes, command of his area, and comfort playing out from the back have made him a standout performer. Inter believe those qualities would translate well to Serie A, should a deal become feasible in the future.
Tottenham, however, are expected to stand firm. Vicario is considered a central figure in their long-term plans, and the club have no immediate desire to part ways with their first-choice goalkeeper. Any transfer would likely require a substantial offer and a clear replacement strategy.
Elsewhere, Juventus are actively engaged in discussions with Fenerbahce regarding a potential loan move for striker Youssef En-Nesyri. The Moroccan international has continued to attract interest following a strong run of form in Turkey.
Juventus are keen to bolster their attacking options for the second half of the season, but they remain cautious about committing to permanent transfers at this stage. A loan deal with flexible terms is viewed as the most realistic route forward.
Talks between the two clubs are ongoing, with negotiations focused on the structure of the agreement and performance-related clauses. Fenerbahce are open to discussions, but only under conditions that protect the club’s sporting interests.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace remain attentive to developments surrounding Sidiki Cherif, despite talks with Angers currently progressing at a slower pace. The 19-year-old forward has been closely monitored after impressing with his pace, movement, and attacking intelligence.
Palace see Cherif as a long-term project and are keen to add young, high-potential talent to their squad. However, negotiations have stalled due to valuation differences and contractual details that are yet to be resolved.
Despite the slowdown, Palace have not ruled out returning to the table if conditions improve. The Premier League side are also keeping alternative targets under review should talks ultimately fail.
As the transfer window enters a decisive phase, clubs across Europe continue to balance squad needs with financial realities. Chelsea’s defensive enquiries, Inter’s future planning in goal, Juventus’ cautious approach in attack, and Palace’s focus on youth development all highlight contrasting strategies at play.
None of the situations are close to completion at this stage, but all remain active. With deadlines approaching, these stories could yet develop quickly, shaping the final weeks of the transfer window.
