Update: Chelsea’s interest in Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman confirmed, but Bavarians still eye extension

Update [9:30AM EST]

Sport1 reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that Chelsea is interested in Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, but also stated that the Bavarians are determined to get a deal done with the Frenchman:

With the news that Kingsley Coman rejected Bayern Munich’s first offer at a contract extension and with the negotiations on a hiatus, the vultures are circling around the Frenchman.

Specifically, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City are all eager to convince Coman to make a move to England.

We had previously heard that Manchester United and Manchester City were going to strongly pursue Coman, but now Chelsea is apparently throwing its hat into the ring, per the Daily Mail:

Chelsea are interested in Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman as doubts emerge over the future of Christian Pulisic. The Blues are long-term admirers of France international Coman and considered the attacker as a potential replacement for Callum Hudson-Odoi when the England international looked close to joining Bayern in 2019.

Hudson-Odoi remained in west London and the club shelved their interest, but Chelsea’s recruitment team have continued to keep close tabs on the 24-year-old and are poised to revisit their interest in the former Juventus man if Pulisic indicates he wants to leave.

Just yesterday, we saw reports linking Christian Pulisic to Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Liverpool, as the American is having trouble finding field time in London under Thomas Tuchel. Based on the verbiage used in the story, it appears that any pursuit of Coman by Chelsea might be contingent on Pulisic leaving London.

Coman, of course, has done wonders in boosting his reputation over the past year with his excellent form:

Coman would be a prime candidate to replace Pulisic at Stamford Bridge. Intriguingly, the Frenchman — who scored the only goal and was named man of the match in last season’s Champions League final against Paris Saint German - has openly expressed a desire to play in England.

There will, however, be no shortage of takers for Coman if he is available this summer. Manchester United and Manchester City are also known to be long-term admirers.

Coman’s deal runs through the 2022/2023 season, so there might not be much pressure on the Bavarians to sell Coman this summer. Should negotiations fail heading into the summer transfer window of 2022, however, Bayern Munich would seemingly be much more willing to sell Coman rather than risk losing him for free.