Premier League giants Chelsea are reportedly confident of signing Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde amid interest from Barcelona.
According to 90 min, Chelsea are confident of completing the signing of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde. The Blues are eager to add defensive reinforcements this summer and have been tracking the French defender for quite some time.
Chelsea were interested in bringing Kounde to Stamford Bridge last summer and were reportedly close to completing the deal. But the west Londoners were eventually forced out of a move by Sevilla, who increased their demands at the last moment.
However, Chelsea have retained their interest and returned to sign the 23-year-old this summer. The Blues have parted ways with Antonio Rudiger, who has joined Real Madrid on a free transfer. Andreas Christensen is reportedly close to joining Barcelona, leaving Chelsea thin in the central defensive department.
Thus signing a centre-back is high on Chelsea’s priority list for the summer window, with Kounde believed to be their top target. The Blues could face some competition for the Frenchman’s transfer, with Barcelona said to be showing interest.
However, the Chelsea hierarchy is confident of getting the Kounde deal through and expect him to possibly be their first signing under new owner Todd Boehly. But they are yet to agree on a deal with Sevilla, who still rate Kounde much higher than what Chelsea are ready to pay.
The Premier League giants are hoping that a deal could be struck at €60 million, with two years remaining on the defender’s contract. However, the Andalusian club want Chelsea to trigger Kounde’s release clause, which stands at €80 million and are not ready to negotiate.
But the report states that Sevilla could agree on a deal if Chelsea agree to pay €70 million with add-ons. The Blues will want to get the deal through soon as they need to address other areas in the team as well, with one more centre-back on their agenda, on top of an attacker and a midfielder. But Barcelona’s interest in Kounde complicates matters.
Chelsea are set to lose Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to join Inter Milan on loan. Jorginho’s future is unclear as well with just a year remaining on his contract with the club. Juventus are said to be plotting a move for the midfielder. So signing Kounde quickly is important, although beating Barcelona will be a cumbersome task.
