Chelsea remain in the hunt for Jules Kounde, although they might face competition from clubs including London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.
According to Transfer Market Web, Arsenal and Tottenham are among the host of clubs challenging Chelsea for the signature of Jules Kounde. The Blues are still considered front runners for the Sevilla defender, although things could change dramatically in the next windows.
Chelsea came close to signing Kounde during the summer, only for a late disagreement between the clubs over the fee preventing the move. The Blues are hoping to revisit their interest and possibly make a move for the defender either in January or next summer.
Kounde has an €80 million release clause attached to his contract at Sevilla, and Chelsea had reportedly held a verbal agreement for a lower fee. As the transfer dragged into the last days of the window, the Spanish side raised the price and demanded his release clause be paid.
Chelsea seemingly ceded their interest despite the player remaining keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel admitted the club remained keen on signing Kounde, although the manager remains happy even after the transfer failed.
Chelsea are prepared to renegotiate with Sevilla if the Spanish side agrees to drop their high asking price. However, this time there might be intense competition from European sides as well as English clubs. London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly keeping tabs on the Frenchman and could provide Chelsea with some tough competition.
It’s unclear if Kounde, who reportedly rejected an approach from Spurs during the summer, would want to join the club, which is not in the Champions League. There will be significant doubts over a move to Tottenham if the club fails again to qualify for Europe’s premier tournament instead of the Europa League or Conference League.
Moreover, the fees quoted could also price Tottenham out of the race for the defender, although they have demonstrated recently to having the financial muscle to make such deals happen.
As for Arsenal, they have already strengthened the right side of the defence, with the signing of Ben White and then Takehiro Tomiyasu in the summer. The Gunners might make big signings next summer, potentially a striker and a central midfielder, but it’s unclear whether they would splash big on another defender.
Chelsea might have a clear path unless another club is prepared to pay Kounde’s release clause next summer or in January. With the player keen and the Blues refusing to back away from their interest, a move could be on the cards for Kounde to Stamford Bridge.