Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has been purchased from Napoli but with at least one more backline player on the shopping list, the media has been heavily linking Chelsea with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

Speaking on that subject in Orlando on the eve of our pre-season game against Arsenal, Tuchel said:

‘There is no news. If there will be news about Jules Kounde I will tell you. I will not start commenting on other players.’

There are further media stories concerning a player who operates at the other end of the pitch, with speculation Timo Werner wants to return to Germany.

‘I don't think so, I don't know about it,’ responded Tuchel. ‘Timo has not talked to me about it. I think he wants to make his way at Chelsea, and he is still to prove a point.’

Our head coach explained his overall transfer philosophy and why he is hoping to add to the squad.

‘Somebody told me years ago and I will never forget it, they gave me a picture that we are on an escalator going down and to maintain your position, you have to keep on walking.

‘This is what it is in football and in sport in general, if you want to maintain your position, you have to improve.’

Chelsea vs Arsenal can be watched live in selected territories on the official Chelsea website and 5th Stand app.