Chelsea are closing in on a move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, with the clubs currently in advanced negotiations over a transfer.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for over a year, with personal terms said to already have been agreed.
Kounde was set to join Chelsea last summer, but Sevilla are thought to have ‘moved the goalposts’ on deadline day, leaving the Blues without their man.
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With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing, the Blues were in desperate need of defensive reinforcements this summer.
Kalidou Koulibaly has arrived from Napoli, while Kounde has been heavily linked with a move alongside the Senegal international in recent days.
There have been several updates on Chelsea's pursuit for the French international.
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As reported by Spanish outlet Sport, Kounde ‘definitely points to Chelsea’.
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Everything indicates that the defender will become a Chelsea player this summer due to Barcelona’s financial struggles this summer, meaning that they cannot afford to splash out on a transfer for the 23-year-old.
Chelsea are said to be confident in making the signing this summer as Tuchel plans his summer defensive rebuild, as reported by Simon Johnson of The Athletic.
The journalist states that the same source that confirmed Chelsea’s confidence in signing Raheem Stelring believes that the Blues hold the same feelings towards a deal for Kounde this summer.
Chelsea transfer specialist Matt Law of The Telegraph continued to confirm that Tuchel’s side are now in advanced talks for Kounde with Sevilla.
While nothing has been finalised, more talks are set to come regarding a move for the defender.
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Adam Newson added to this, stating that Chelsea will continue their talks with the La Liga side on Wednesday.
He continued to reveal that personal terms are unlikely to be an issue, with Kounde having agreed his salary since last year.
Furthermore, he is still open to the idea of playing in the Premier League despite the interest of Barcelona.
According to Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard, Sevilla would also prefer Kounde to move to the Premier League rather than selling their star to a domestic rival in Barcelona.
Football.london journalist Bobby Vincent expanded on a potential fee for the defender, stating that Chelsea are confident that Sevilla will accept a £50 million offer for their defender as Tuchel looks set to make his third summer addition.
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Fabrizio Romano also reported that the Blues will return with a second bid for Kounde, having seen an offer of €55 million already knocked back by Sevilla.
It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea can close the deal for the defender, but with Barcelona lurking, the advanced negotiations will continues over the coming days.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Sevilla, Barcelona, Jules Kounde, Transfers, Football, Premier League