Thomas Tuchel says ‘all eyes are open’ for new signings amid Jules Kounde links

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Chelsea are still hopeful of adding further recruits before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde the most likely arrival.

Blues boss Tuchel admitted “all eyes are open” at Stamford Bridge when it comes to new signings, with Kurt Zouma inching towards a £25million West Ham switch.

Zouma’s expected departure is understood to open the door for France defender Kounde’s arrival, with the Blues still determined to strengthen their already talent-laden squad.

Romelu Lukaku’s club-record £98million move from Inter Milan will retain top billing with the Blues, but manager Tuchel is determined to keep scouring the market.

Asked if Chelsea could yet make further signings in this window, Tuchel replied: “Well we are hoping; we still have some ideas and we are trying.

“And not all decisions are taken regarding also to our squad.

“So there are some negotiations going on and we are aware of all the situations.

“Hoping as in meaning that we need something to make the coach happy or to be competitive? Absolutely not.

“Because I’m happy with the squad as it is, and I have a lot of confidence we are absolutely competitive on a high level.

“But still all eyes are open, and we are aware of all situations and you never know in football.

“But in the moment we are focused on the game tomorrow and there are not many days left to take big decisions, so it’s all good so far.”

Chelsea will head to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday, with Christian Pulisic a long shot to be available after quarantine due to a positive Covid-19.

Pulisic missed the 2-0 win at Arsenal after returning a positive test and heading into isolation, but the USA forward suffered no symptoms and should be back in action shortly.

Chelsea and Liverpool have both returned two wins from their two Premier League matches so far.

Blues boss Tuchel admitted Saturday’s Anfield test will be a yardstick of Chelsea progress, but will not prove definitive for either side’s season.

“Any time you play at Anfield, with spectators against Liverpool, it’s one of the toughest challenges that you can face in European football,” said Tuchel.

“And after that you’re much smarter where you are, what your true capacity and true performance is. So it’s like this tomorrow.

“Liverpool had a good start and we had a good start. And tomorrow we will fight from the first minute to get a good result, but it will be a huge challenge.

“No result will be a decision for the season. But of course we are fighting for it because this is the challenge where you need to prove, but we also want to prove ourselves.”