Chelsea are still coveting the services of Sevilla center-back Jules Kounde and will pursue a deal for the Frenchman ahead of a summer move, 90min understand.
The Blues believed they had accepted a reduced price to sign Kounde last August, only to be taken aback when the Spanish club increased their demands in the 11th hour. Chelsea refused to do business afterwards and the 23-year-old was forced to stay at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, although he was keen to change.
The emergence of the Trevoh Chalobah academy product has filled the void in head coach Thomas Tuchel’s squad since the sale of Kurt Zouma to West Ham. But Chelsea are still set to move for a new center-back with the future of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all uncertain as they enter the final six months of their respective contracts.
While other options such as Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule have been considered, 90min understand that Chelsea have come to the conclusion that Kounde remains the outstanding candidate and there is a belief within the club that he will join at some point in 2022.
Sevilla’s demands mean a January move for the defender is highly unlikely, but West Londoners are scrambling to steal a march on any other potential suitors and agree to a transfer before the window opens summer – the same approach they could take with Monaco midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni.
Kounde has a £ 68million release clause inserted into his Andalusia contract, and triggering it could become an option if the Blues are to avoid negotiating with Sevilla after their problems last year.
Sources said 90min that Kounde – who idolizes current Chelsea player Thiago Silva – is steadfast in his desire to move to Stamford Bridge and he has reiterated it to his current employers.
The France international has continued to impress this season, playing an important role in keeping eight sheets clean in La Liga as part of a stingy backline, with Sevilla being the closest challenge to leaders Real Madrid.
For more than Krishan Davis, follow him on Twitter.
–
