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Sevilla want to wrap up Jules Kounde’s future by Thursday (21 July) as talks with Chelsea advance, according to reports.
The 23-year-old will leave the Spanish side this summer after his transfer to Stamford Bridge last summer was blocked by Sevilla, but he will get his move this summer around.
Barcelona have joined the race to sign the France international, but are yet to make an offer after Chelsea sent in a €50 million plus add-ons proposal to Julen Lopetegui’s side.
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Thomas Tuchel has already added Kalidou Koulibaly to his defence following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, but wants two more additions in the heart of his defence.
Kounde, a long-term target of the club, now appears to be closing in on a switch to west London.
As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, negotiations are coming to a close over a €50 million fee plus add-ons.
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That specific amount in add-ons has been revealed to be around €10 million by Ben Jacobs.
Chelsea are expecting a fee to be agreed on Wednesday (20 July), and Sevilla have set a date of when they hope a deal is wrapped up by.
The Spanish side want a deal done by Thursday (21 July) at the latest due to Lopetegui’s men travelling to Portugal.
Kounde is thought to be ‘very open’ to moving to Chelsea, one year on from his planned move, and is expecting to know his next club by the end of the week.
Barcelona have provided Chelsea with competition for the France international’s signature this summer, but are running out of time having yet to make an official offer.
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Sevilla chief Monchi has informed their domestic rivals that they must now make a move or walk away from the negotiating table.
Barcelona have been informed that only a straight-cash deal will be accepted.
Kounde was seen leaving the Sevilla training ground on Wednesday, but remained tightlipped on his future as fans quizzed him on his next destination.
Tuchel confirmed earlier this week that Chelsea had plans to bring in more players.
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"I have a figure,” said Tuchel, on the amount of signings required this summer.
“I think we need a couple more players to improve the squad.
"We are third last season. There was a gap. In general, if you want to keep your position or fight, you need to improve."
He added: We even lost players. It is common sense we need to bring new quality to the team to maintain our level, not even speaking about improving our level."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Jules Kounde, Sevilla, Chelsea, Barcelona
