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Chelsea are continuing talks to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to reports.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge as Thomas Tuchel looks to rebuild his side.
Kounde was targeted last summer but a late move in the summer transfer window fell through following Kurt Zouma’s departure, seeing Trevoh Chalobah handed the chance at the back.
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Chelsea are back in for Kounde this summer, however, following departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Rudiger has joined Real Madrid as Christensen was named on Chelsea’s released list ahead of a likely move to Barcelona.
A deal for Kounde has not been easy so far, as Sevilla will demand €65 million for the Blues target, with Tuchel’s side reportedly having already offered €50 million for the defender.
It remains to be seen as to how much Chelsea will have to pay for the defender following Diego Carlos’ departure from Seville this summer, signing for Aston Villa.
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Therefore, Sevilla are in no rush to sell one of their most valuable possessions.
And now, as reported by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, negotiations are ‘ongoing’ in Chelsea’s pursuit for the defender.
A transfer this summer is said to be ‘more realistic’ than last year, with Tuchel leading the chase for the defender.
Sevilla’s CEO has also handed Chelsea a boost in their pursuit for the French international.
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Jose Maria Cruz said: “Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla FC.
“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.”
Chelsea must pay Sevilla’s valuation however, that is less than his €80 million release clause which they were demanding last summer.
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The new ownership at Chelsea are ready to back Tuchel with £200 million in the summer window, the majority of which is likely to be spent on reinforcing the back-line as Cesar Azpilicueta could also depart, while Thiago Silva has a year remaining on his contract.
It remains to be seen as to who will come into the squad this summer but with Kounde looking closer than ever, Chelsea will be keen to get this one over the line.
However, the defender requires surgery following the UEFA Nations League match so it is unclear as to when a deal will be done.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Jules Kounde, Sevilla