Manchester United and Chelsea are prepared to launch a bid for Sevilla’s defensive sensation Jules Kounde, who is also targeted by Real Madrid.
According to a report by AS, Real Madrid have set their sights on Jules Kounde, as part of their squad overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window. It appears the Spanish giants are keen on bolstering their defensive options, with the Sevilla centre-back now being identified as one of the top targets.
Real Madrid, though, aren’t the only club interested in Kounde, as both Manchester United and Chelsea have already enquired about the defender’s situation. They are ready to launch bids for the Frenchman in the summer, with the player also open to a move away from Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan next season.
A product of the Bordeaux youth academy, Kounde is being considered as the biggest defensive prospect in the market right now – having enjoyed an incredible 2020/21 campaign at Sevilla, in which the youngster has created a formidable defensive partnership alongside Diego Carlos at the heart of the four-man backline.
Kounde has been the standout of the two, mesmerising the onlookers with his quality on the ball, coupled with his blistering pace and defensive skill that has made him a real commodity in the market.
It has also put clubs like Chelsea on red alert, as the Blues hope to sign a long-term replacement for the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva next season. They have already been linked with a move for PSG superstar Marquinhos, with head coach Thomas Tuchel reportedly keen on a reunion.
Kounde, though, offers more prospect for the future and is likely to fit in better with the German’s tactical setup, due to his offensive capabilities, as well as the fact that the Frenchman is equally strong in the air.
The same can be said for Manchester United as well, as the Red Devils are reportedly on the lookout for a top class centre-back who can accompany Harry Maguire next season. Kounde’s technical prowess, in that regard, should complement the more robust nature of Maguire – in some ways recreating the variety of Sevilla’s central defensive pairing.
Manchester United, however, will likely have to offload a few star players before they can afford someone like Kounde while young players like Axel Tuanzebe might have to settle for a move elsewhere, either on loan or on a permanent deal.
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And finally, both these Premier League clubs will have to be aware of the interest of Real Madrid, who could be in a great position to secure the services of the Sevilla sensation, especially if they manage to clinch the league title this season.
