Chelsea Set For Jules Kounde Bid As Blues Step Up Presnel Kimpembe Pursuit

Chelsea are set to make a bid for Jules Kounde this week as they look to add a defender to their squad this summer.

The Blues saw defensive duo Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen depart the club on free transfers, while Cesar Azpilicueta’s future remains in doubt.

The club captain is interesting Barcelona this summer, with negotiations ongoing regarding a potential exit for the 32-year-old.

Kalidou Koulibaly has already been brought in this summer, arriving on a £34 million deal from Napoli to ease the defensive concerns.

However, Thomas Tuchel is said to want at least two central defenders to join his side during the transfer window as the Blues look to challenge at the top of the Premier League once again.

Presnel Kimpembe of PSG talking to Thomas Tuchel. (Alamy)

The head coach has reportedly made contact with his former player Presnel Kimpembe in order to sell the idea of a move to London to the 26-year-old.

The French international was said to be intrigued by a move to Chelsea, with Tuchel’s side are now in direct talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a move but are still some way off their valuation, with discussions ongoing.

Chelsea are also interested in bringing in Sevilla defender Kounde during the transfer window.

As reported by Relevo, Sevilla are waiting for an official offer from Chelsea for the 23-year-old.

This proposal is set to arrive in the coming days as the Blues step up their pursuit for the French international, who has been heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge switch in the past.

It is believed that the initial bid from Chelsea will not reach the €65 million fee, which is said to be the starting price for negotiations.

Barcelona are said to still be in the race for the defender but are not intending to spend that amount yet.

With Robert Lewandowski and former Chelsea target Raphinha already joining the Spaniards for hefty fees, the Blues may have been handed a boost in their pursuit for Raphinha.

Jules Kounde has been linked with a move to Barcelona and Chelsea. (Alamy)

It remains to be seen as to whether a deal can be struck with Sevilla, who have proved tough to negotiate with in the past.

The Spanish side have also already sold one central defender, with Diego Carlos joining Aston Villa earlier this summer. 

With Kounde having previously agreed personal terms with Chelsea under Marina Granovskaia’s reign in charge of sporting decisions, Todd Boehly may have to re-negotiate terms if they are to be successful in their pursuit for another defender.

The 23-year-old is likely on his way out of Seville this summer, with a decision set to be made on his future soon.