Manchester United-linked attacker turns down Chelsea transfer proposal - Reports
Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram has reportedly turned down Chelsea's offer for a potential summer move, with Manchester United also interested.
Thuram, 25, is set to leave Monchengladbach on a free transfer at the end of the season. He has scored 16 goals and provided seven assists in 31 games across competitions for the German side this campaign.
The Frenchman also put in impressive performances in his limited appearances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He played 146 minutes across five games, providing two assists.
As per L'Equipe, Chelsea, who are looking to sign a striker in the summer, made a big offer to Thuram but the forward has turned them down. He is said to be put off by the instability at the club, who have struggled immensely this season.
They are also currently without a manager but have been heavily linked with former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Thuram is rumored to be hoping to join a club that offers him UEFA Champions League football. Chelsea won't be able to offer that as they are 12th in the Premier League. Hence, the Frenchman could look to move to Manchester United, who are likely to secure their place in the competition next season.
The Red Devils need to sign a striker as loanee Wout Weghorst is likely to return to Burnley this summer. Anthony Martial has been injury prone and could also depart.
Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also interested in signing Thuram.
Manchester United set to take on Chelsea in their penultimate Premier League game this season
Amid reports of Manchester United and Chelsea competing for Marcus Thuram's signature, the English giants will take each other on the pitch this week.
United will host the Blues at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Thursday, May 25. Even a draw would be enough to secure UEFA Champions League qualification for the Red Devils. They are currently three points above fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.
Manchester United will come into this match on the back of a 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth on May 20. Casemiro scored the only goal of the game as the Red Devils saw out the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium.
Chelsea, meanwhile, suffered a 1-0 defeat against Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad on May 21. Julian Alvarez scored the winner for the hosts.
With the loss, the Blues have won just one of their previous 12 games across competitions and are guaranteed to finish in the bottom half of the table. While they do not have anything to fight for, they will hope to salvage some pride in their final two games of the season.
After facing United, the London outfit will end their campaign against Newcastle United at home on May 28. The Red Devils, meanwhile, will face Fulham at home in their final league game.