Tuchel aiming to be reunited with former Dortmund midfielder at Chelsea

New Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is aiming to be reunited with one of his former Borussia Dortmund stars, as he looks to begin the reshaping of his squad at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues spent well over £200m last summer in what looked to be an excellent summer of business, yet struggles with injury and form for many of the new faces has been a real source of frustration, with former boss Frank Lampard’s inability to get the best out of his new signings arguably a key reason behind his sacking.

With a new face now at the helm, it is likely there will once again be some notable incomings and outgoings at the club over the summer, as the former Mainz boss attempts to try and build a team in his image.

Even with such extensive recruitment last year, the current squad still appears in need of further additions, with centre-back and potentially central midfield in need of bolstering.

While West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has previously been mentioned as the man who could fill the void in either position, the arrival of Tuchel may have changed the club’s focus.

According to the Express, the German is keen to be reunited with former pupil Jonas Hoffman, the two men having worked together at Borussia Dortmund.

The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder is in impressive form this season and has netted four league goals and registered eight assists as part of Marco Rose’s impressive side.

Earlier this year, Hoffman scored twice in a famous 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, while he’s played a key role in the German club’s excellent Champions League group stage performance, with a last-16 tie against Manchester City to come next week.

While all is going well for the club on the pitch, the announcement that boss Rose will be leaving the club at the end of the season to join Dortmund has changed everything, with a number of the club’s star men set follow him out the door.

Although Hoffman currently has two years remaining on his existing deal, he would reportedly cost just £14m, making him an attractive proposition for Tuchel and co.

The 28-year-old previously spent four years in the Dortmund first-team, playing under Tuchel and before that Jurgen Klopp, although he played a bit-part role under both managers.

While he made a slow start to his senior career, his move to Borussia-Park in 2016 has really kickstarted his career, being handed his first senior cap for the German national team back in October.

Hoffman’s versatility may come as an asset to the Blues, as he can play both in the centre of midfield, as well as on the wing if required.

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