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Chelsea are re-working on a deal to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to reports.
This comes after the Blues’ move for Nathan Ake has collapsed, with Manchester City unwilling to sell the 27-year-old this summer.
It was revealed that despite personal terms being agreed with the Dutchman, a deal is off as Chelsea did not meet Man City’s £45 million valuation.
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The Blues have already lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in the summer, with Cesar Azpilicueta also heavily linked with a departure.
The Spaniard could join FC Barcelona, re-uniting with Christensen as Thomas Tuchel is in desperate need of defensive reinforcements.
Kalidou Koulibaly is set to join Chelsea in the coming days as the 31-year-old has passed his medical ahead of a £34 million move from Napoli.
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Presnel Kimpembe has also been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge in recent days, with Tuchel reportedly set to bring in at least three central defenders during the summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen as to who Chelsea will end up bringing in, having been linked with a host of names over the past few months.
As reported by Nathan Gissing, Chelsea will now work on bringing Kounde to Stamford Bridge after previously being heavily linked with a switch to London.
The report states that Chelsea are working on signing the 23-year-old after a deal had previously stalled following the departure of Marina Granovskaia.
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However, it now appears that Chelsea’s interim sporting director Todd Boehly is leading the charge for Kounde as the situation is ‘one to keep an eye on’.
With Chelsea holding long-term interest in Kounde, a collapse of a deal for Ake could see this reignited.
Last summer saw the Blues fail in negotiations for Kounde, but the Sevilla CEO has since given an insight into their pursuit of the La Liga defender.
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Speaking on Kounde, Jose Maria Cruz said: “Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla FC.
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“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.”
With Chelsea failing in negotiations last summer, they could be set to reenter talks, this time with Boehly at the helm rather than Granovskaia.
It remains to be seen as to whether a deal can be struck as the Blues turn their attention back to the 23-year-old this transfer window.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Jules Kounde, Sevilla, Transfers, Football, Premier League