Real Madrid are reportedly facing competition from PSG in their pursuit of Sevilla and France defender Jules Kounde.
According to Fichajes, Paris Saint-Germain are preparing to battle La Liga giants Real Madrid to sign Sevilla defensive mainstay Jules Kounde in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Kounde came through the ranks at French club Bordeaux and moved to Sevilla in 2019, where he has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. The 23-year-old played a key part in his club’s UEFA Europa League triumph in 2019/20 and has been ever present at the back as Julen Lopetegui’s side have emerged as La Liga title contenders this term.
Kounde, who was also part of the France side that won the UEFA Nations League last year, came close to leaving Sevilla previous summer when Chelsea made herculean efforts to sign him up. However, the move fell through with Los Nervionenses digging their heels in over their transfer fee demands.
But interest in Kounde continues to mount, with Chelsea again being linked with a move for the Frenchman. Along with the Blues, though, both Real Madrid and PSG have also emerged as contenders to capture the 23-year-old’s services.
Real Madrid lack quality depth in their centre-back department at the moment. David Alaba and Eder Militao are undisputed starters, but things do not look all too good as far as their backup options go. Nacho Fernandez is a squad player at best, while Carlo Ancelotti has hardly used Jesus Vallejo.
As a result, Real Madrid need to add another top defender to their ranks in the summer, with Kounde emerging as an option for the Merengues. However, they will have to deal with the competition from French heavyweights PSG, who are also seeking defensive reinforcements before next season.
Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe have had indifferent seasons this time out, while backup options Thilo Kehrer and Abdou Diallo have also blown hot and cold. Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos has hardly taken the pitch due to his never-ending injury woes, which has prompted PSG to consider signing a new top-quality defender like Kounde.
Apart from Kounde, Real Madrid and PSG are also looking at Chelsea mainstay Antonio Rudiger, who will be available on a free transfer. However, with the German reportedly in secret talks with Barcelona, both teams need to keep their options open. Whether either of them makes a move for Kounde, who could cost €50-60 million, come summer remains to be seen.