Chelsea have reportedly been handed a boost in the race to sign Jules Kounde, who is also a target for Arsenal and Manchester United.
According to a report by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, Chelsea seem to have the upper hand in the race to sign Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window. The Sevilla defender, who is also the subject of interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, favours a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Kounde has quickly established himself as one of the best young defenders in Europe, enjoying a meteoric rise in stature since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux in the summer of 2019. His progress has not only enabled the 22-year-old to become a mainstay at the back for Sevilla but also break into a jam-packed French national side.
To date, Kounde has amassed 89 appearances for Sevilla, chipping in with 6 goals and 2 assists. The youngster’s development over the last couple of years has piqued the interest of some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Premier League bigwigs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Arsenal are the latest of the big-name suitor in pursuit of Kounde, with their interest in the player being understandable. With David Luiz calling it quits at the Emirates this summer, the Gunners need a long-term replacement. And who better than one of the best young centre-backs in the game to not only fill the boots of the veteran Brazilian but also be an upgrade at the same time.
Manchester United and Chelsea, on the other hand, hold a long-standing interest in the French international, but their reasons to be keenly following him could not be more different. Manchester United are eager to sign a more reliable partner for captain Harry Maguire, with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly blowing hot and cold while also being troubled by fitness issues.
As for Chelsea, with Thiago Silva in the twilight of his career and Cesar Azpilicueta also on the wrong side of 30, it is prudent to attempt to sign a player like Kounde, who could set them up for a decade, in theory. Apart from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, Manchester City are also interested in Kounde.
However, the ball now seems to be in Chelsea’s court, as far as the race to sign the youngster is concerned, as he prefers joining the Blues. Indeed, while Arsenal always stood little chance in the race to sign Kounde due to the fact that they will not be playing any European football next term, Manchester United seem to be favouring a move for Pau Torres over Kounde.
Chelsea might not be forced to trigger his astronomical release clause either, with Sevilla happy to agree to a deal in the region of €55 million. What now remains to be seen is if Chelsea indeed end up securing the services of the 22-year-old ahead of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City this summer.