Thomas Tuchel Provides Jules Kounde Transfer Update And Sends 'Urgent Appeal' For Defensive Reinforcements

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on the Blues' pursuit of Jules Kounde as he makes an honest admission regarding his defence following a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Tuchel's side were embarrassed by the Gunners, who scored two goals either side of half-time to hand Chelsea a 4-0 defeat in Orlando.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard in the first-half were added to by second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Sambi Lokonga to see Chelsea handed a huge pre-season defeat in their last match of the United States tour.

The Blues looked shaky in defence, opting four a back four of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Emerson Palmieri in the first period before a back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, Silva and Malang Sarr featured in the second-half.

Gabriel Jesus celebrating Arsenal's opener against Chelsea. (Arsenal)

Despite the change in system, Chelsea still struggled and were on the end of a thrashing from Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

Tuchel's side have been heavily linked with defensive reinforcements in the transfer window after losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers, with Kalidou Koulibaly already arriving from Napoli.

The most recent reports have stated that Jules Kounde is set to join the club. However, Barcelona could be set to hijack a potential deal.

When asked about an update in Chelsea's pursuit of the 23-year-old, as quoted by football.london, Tuchel revealed: "There is no update."

The head coach continued to send an 'urgent appeal' for new signings, demanding quality players come in before the end of the summer transfer window.

He continued: "We had an urgent appeal for quality players and a huge amount of quality players. We got two quality players no doubt but we’re not competitive like this and you could see that today."

Tuchel then confirmed the desire for further defenders amid links to Sevilla's Kounde, as he is desperate to complete the rebuild of his backline.

Jules Kounde was reportedly close to sealing a move to Chelsea. (Alamy)

"If you want to play three at the back you need to have three in the back. If you don’t, it’s not worth playing three in the back," he said,

"Given that Kalidou (Koulibaly) was ready for only 25 mins today and who was available we tried to play 4-4-2.

"I think it was not a structure problem. It was behaviour in the structure. That’s much more important."

It remains to be seen as to whether the Blues are able to conclude a deal for Kounde in the coming days.

If not, Tuchel will turn his attention to alternative targets as the Blues look to add to their squad.

Chelsea will be hopeful of having player through the door before they face Udinese at the end of the month in the final match of pre-season.