Chelsea are reportedly inching closer to securing the services of 22-year-old French international Jules Kounde, with Kurt Zouma to be a part of the deal.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have moved quickly in their bid to sign Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window. The Blues are in advanced talks with Sevilla over a player-plus-cash deal involving Kurt Zouma, with personal terms already agreed with the 22-year-old French international.
Jules Kounde has set the stage alight since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux in the summer of 2019. A mainstay at the back for Los Nervionenses ever since then, the youngster has quickly established himself as one of the best defenders on show in La Liga, making 89 appearances for the Andalusian club while also chipping in with six goals and two assists.
The 22-year-old’s exploits have invariably been noticed by the who’s who of European football, with the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid among others linked with him at some point or another. However, it is Chelsea who appear to have prevailed in the race to sign Kounde.
Chelsea bolstered their defence last summer by signing Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva. Silva has been a resounding success at Stamford Bridge, but it is important to note that he is in the twilight of his career. Sarr, on the other hand, is yet to grab a foothold in the Blues’ first-team setup.
With Antonio Rudiger at loggerheads with the West Londoners over the terms of a new contract, it is prudent on their part to be in the market for a central defender. To that end, Kounde is a viable target for Chelsea, who have reportedly been his favoured destination, as per widespread reports.
The Premier League heavyweights, though, have seemingly only taken a serious interest in signing the French international this week. However, Chelsea have moved quickly to secure the services of Kounde before the 2021/22 season begins, with the reliable Fabrizio Romano claiming that they are already in advanced talks to land the Frenchman.
However, this will not be an ordinary deal, with Chelsea and Sevilla discussing a player-plus-cash transfer, which will involve Kurt Zouma. Interestingly, the Frenchman has recently been linked with Tottenham but now appears to be likely to be on his way to Sevilla instead, with his compatriot joining his current club.
Romano has also added that Kounde has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, and will sign a five-year contract if and when he arrives at Stamford Bridge. In addition, it has been mentioned that the deal could be completed in a matter of days if not hours and it remains to be seen how quickly Chelsea can wrap up the transfer as they look to kick-start their transfer business this summer.
