Chelsea have reportedly been in active negotiations with a Bayer Leverkusen star with next season in mind.
In Enzo Maresca's first season in charge, everyone associated with the Blues can be satisfied with sitting in third position in the Premier League table after 11 games.
Furthermore, the building blocks have been put in place for a further two star names in Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez to link up with the West Londoners from 2025-26 onwards.
On the flip side, their arrivals will continue to lower the average age of a squad that is already the youngest in this season's Premier League.
Therefore, it would come as no surprise if Maresca or the club's recruitment spearheaded an attempt to add more experience to the group ahead of a more realistic title bid during upcoming seasons.
![Germany's Jonathan Tah pictured on June 23, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/jonathan-tah_1.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Germany's Jonathan Tah pictured on June 23, 2024 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
Chelsea rejoin race for Tah?
Chelsea currently possess the joint-sixth best defensive record in the top flight, conceding 13 goals from 11 games, with Maresca showing preference to using Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill as his preferred partnership in the middle.
Nevertheless, as per Caught Offside, attempts are being made to tempt Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah into making the switch to Stamford Bridge in July.
The report claims that the Chelsea hierarchy are already making an active effort to convince the Germany international to shun the interest of Champions League regulars to sign for them.
As a result of the 28-year-old's deal being due to expire in July, foreign clubs can formally negotiate a pre-contract agreement from January onwards.
Leverkusen have struggled to replicate last season's unbeaten domestic campaign, winning just four of their opening 10 games to sit nine points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga table.
Therefore, the odds are only shortening with regards an exit for Tah, who is allegedly keen to enjoy a new challenge after nearly 10 years at his current club.
© Imago
Would Chelsea be the right choice?
From Chelsea's perspective, the view may be that there are no better options on the market than Tah when taking into account numerous perspectives.
A 33-cap international who has won league titles being available on a free transfer is a rarity, while it would bring another leader into the dressing room.
From Tah's perspective, though, he may see the lure of joining one of the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich all the more tempting.
Real and Bayern, in particular, could benefit from another central-defensive addition, and Tah would be viewed as a likely first-choice pick at both clubs.
Darren Plant
