English Premier League giants Chelsea are currently waiting for Sevilla’s response over the transfer of Jules Kounde, who has apparently decided against moving to Barcelona.
After losing Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers to Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, Thomas Tuchel has already taken steps to strengthen his backline this summer by bringing in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli in a £34 million deal.
While Tuchel continues to look for two more center-backs, a deal for Nathan Ake of Manchester City has fallen through for the Blues.
The Sevilla defender Kounde, who Chelsea came agonizingly close to signing last summer but the deal fell through late in the window, is now the center of attention once again. The Blues will still compete with Barcelona for the Frenchman. But it appears there is hope that the 23-year-old may not be destined for the Nou Camp as first feared. According to rumors, Chelsea have agreed on a deal with Kounde on personal terms, and the Premier League side are eager to close the deal quickly.
Despite an offer being made, nothing has yet been settled between the two teams. The Blues are currently awaiting Sevilla’s reply to their offer. However, a new development about the defender’s transfer desire has led Tuchel’s staff to believe that Kounde would ultimately finish up at Stamford Bridge.
#Chelsea are ‘very close’ to closing an agreement with Sevilla for Jules Kounde, a deal could be done today. Barcelona have not made any offers.
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) July 19, 2022
[@RadioSevilla via @InfoSevillismo]
The Guardian newspaper confirmed recently that Kounde has agreed to personal terms with Chelsea and is not eager about moving to Barcelona. Sevilla is said to be ready to accept a bid for their star defender in the region of £51 million this summer.
Despite their financial difficulties, Barcelona still poses a threat. The cash-strapped Catalan club appears serious on going head-to-head over another shared target, with Xavi reportedly trying to convince Kounde to join the Blaugrana over the Blues.
The Spanish La Liga giants have already beaten Chelsea to the signing of Raphinha from Leeds earlier in the window. Jules Kounde is a right-sided center back who can also play as a right back or a right wing-back and is expected to be Andreas Christensen’s replacement.
Chelsea’s back three formation will likely feature Koulibaly in the center, but the Blues are still looking to sign a left-sided center-back as well.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe has apparently been the subject of discussions but Chelsea are also still keeping a close eye on RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. Both are capable of assuming Rudiger’s former left-side position.
If Kounde joins Chelsea, it would give room for more players to leave the club this summer.
