Sevilla reportedly want at least €65 million for defensive mainstay Jules Kounde, who is a priority target for Chelsea heading into the summer.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sevilla will demand a minimum of €65 million to sell their defender Jules Kounde this summer, amid serious interest from Premier League giants Chelsea.
Sevilla could see the core of their defence get dismantled this summer. Diego Carlos is set to sign for Premier League side Aston Villa imminently, and Jules Kounde could follow suit and land up in England before next season, with Chelsea pushing hard to sign the French international.
Kounde has been a revelation since signing for Sevilla from Bordeaux back in 2019. The 23-year-old won the UEFA Europa League title in his debut season with the Spanish outfit and has helped them secure top-four finishes in three consecutive seasons. His performances have not gone unnoticed either, with some of the biggest clubs in the continent planning to sign the Frenchman.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with a move for Kounde, but Chelsea have emerged as his most ardent suitors. The Blues came very close to signing the 23-year-old centre-half last summer but failed to close the deal as Sevilla jacked up their asking price. However, their interest in the defender has not wavered.
Chelsea will lose Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen imminently, with the former headed for Real Madrid while the latter will be signing for Barcelona on Bosman deals. At the same time, there remain question marks over the future of captain Cesar Azpilicueta as well, whereas Thiago Silva will be turning 38 in a few months.
So, Chelsea must sign at least two new centre-backs in the summer transfer window. Kounde is at the top of the list of their targets, as reported by Romano and the west London giants are planning to launch a bid for the Sevilla star imminently. However, the Italian adds that Sevilla will demand a minimum of €65 million for the Frenchman.
Reports have claimed that personal terms between Kounde and Chelsea have already been agreed upon. So, the transfer fee remains the only point of contention before the move can go through. And with the ownership situation resolved and the new owners ready to back the manager in the market, the €65 million valuation should not be an issue for Chelsea.
