Jules Kounde has moved closer to the exit door as his most recent decision indicates an imminent departure from Sevilla amid interest from Chelsea and Barcelona, according to reports.
Chelsea have been on the hunt for central defenders this summer window, the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers has seen the backline take a significant hit.
Thomas Tuchel has looked to rebuild and better his defence for the upcoming campaign, with the first step being the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.
It has been previously reported that Tuchel was ‘eyeing up’ four defensive additions, including Koulibaly, for the new season, and following the manner of the 4-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday morning (UK), change is needed.
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The Blues need to acquire replacements if they want to challenge on all fronts for trophies next season.
Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt looked to be the frontrunners earlier this window, but with Ake likely to stay in Manchester and De Ligt completing a move to Bayern Munich, Chelsea have to look elsewhere.
The latest from Tuchel though reveals the minimum he would accept is one more central defender.
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Earlier this week, it looked as though the Blues had filled that spot, with the transfer saga surrounding Kounde reportedly over, with Chelsea ‘winning the race’ for the defender.
After submitting a £55 million offer for the centre-back and no deal being put forward Barcelona, it looked to be over, but the Spanish club have now tried to hijack the deal.
While reports from Sevilla deny the rumours of a Barcelona deal, elsewhere it has been said to be ‘99 per cent closed’ in Barcelona’s favour.
One thing for certain is that Kounde is on his way out of Sevilla this summer.
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As reported by Orgullo De Nervion, the Frenchman will not be part of Sevilla’s friendly game against Sporting Lisbon, with him instead staying at the team hotel in Lagos, Portugal.
Following the game, Kounde will have not participated in either of the first two summer games for Julen Lopetegui’s side as he missed the opening match against Tottenham as well.
Sevilla are reportedly waiting to close the deal with Chelsea, but Barcelona remain determined to acquire the 23-year-old this summer.
While the Catalan side have not made an official offer for the player, they still are trying to convince Kounde to join them, with Xavi holding conversations with the France international.
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This news will have brought back memories of the Raphinha transfer saga for Blues fans that happened earlier this month, which ultimately Chelsea lost out on.
The upcoming days surrounding this transfer saga are set to be very interesting with Kounde’s next destination likely to be confirmed.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Football, Jules Kounde, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Sevilla, Barcelona
