Sevilla reportedly expect Chelsea to return with a final offer for Jules Kounde, who they have been chasing all summer.
According to Spanish publication AS, Sevilla are bracing themselves for Chelsea to return and make one last approach for Jules Kounde before the transfer window closes. The Blues have been chasing the French defender for most of the summer, and now they might have the financial power to complete a deal.
Thomas Tuchel always wanted a right-sided centre-back during the current transfer window despite plenty of players already available. Cesar Azpilicueta remains the German tactician’s first choice in that position, but he seeks a long-term solution and potential future replacement for the Spaniard.
Reece James played there a few times last season, but Tuchel counts on him as his first choice right-back than anything else, while the future of Kurt Zouma is in doubt this summer. Chelsea’s primary target was France international Jules Kounde, who was an expensive option in the first place.
There is an €80 million release clause which Sevilla keep pointing towards, although the Blues tried their hand at reducing the price tag. They even included Zouma in the deal, although the defender remains keen to continue his career in England.
Since those approaches, Chelsea have gone quiet on the chase and focused their attention towards securing Romelu Lukaku in a £98 million deal from Inter Milan. The Premier League side has also offloaded many of their unwanted players and generated enough funds to bolster their squad further.
From the outside, Chelsea have a good enough squad to challenge on all fronts, although Tuchel might feel the need for a defender before the window shuts. With Kounde having been their primary choice, the Blues are expected to make a final push with Sevilla, although there could be complications with the transfer fee.
While the defender has an €80 million release clause, his contract stipulates an increase of €10 million in the last 15 days of the transfer window. Meaning Chelsea might have to pay around €90 million for the transfer. Sevilla have inserted such a clause due to the possibility of not finding an adequate replacement in a short period.
The Spanish side feel Chelsea might be in a strong position now due to the many sales they have made recently. Tammy Abraham joined Roma in a €40 million deal, while Zouma is expected to join a Premier League club soon. West Ham United are seemingly in the hunt to sign him, along with Tottenham.
Both those transfers and sales of fringe players will certainly have filled their transfer kitty, and it might be enough to facilitate a transfer for Kounde. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea will be willing to pay his original release clause, let alone the new price of €90 million before the window ends.
