It is an open secret that Chelsea have maintained an interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. Aside from their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku, the majority of the summer transfer window has beencted at getting the player to link up with the UEFA Champions League winners.
Kounde is one of the most sought after defenders in Europe. He emerged as one of La Liga’s best since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux two years ago. His stock has risen so much this past season. Sevilla have always been keen to point any interested party to his release clause. His release clause stands at £68m.
The feeling around Stamford Bridge is that there would be another signing before the deadline of August 31, and it looks like it would be Kounde.
Other clubs also interested in Kounde
Chelsea are not the only club that showed interest in Kounde. Manchester United were also after the player before they went on to sign Raphael Varane.
Real Madrid were also interested in the player’s services, but they found the cost involved inhibiting leaving the path clear for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s depth in defence
Chelsea are loaded in the defence with several quality players, but head coach Thomas Tuchel is disposed to adding to its depth.
In their 3-0 Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, Tuchel played with three defenders - Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Chalobah, while Captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Zouma were named as substitutes.
Chelsea are, however, not satisfied with this depth in defence and are looking to add to it.
Chalobah, after loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Lorient, has impressed, leading to a contract offer to retain at the club.
The garage sales
Despite the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan for a reported fee of £97.5m, Chelsea are still keen to bring in another quality player to boost their ranks.
The trail seemed to have gone cold on signing the 22-year-old French defender, but Chelsea have returned to the table to convince Sevilla to part with one of their prized assets. Thomas Tuchel is ready to streamline his squad to accommodate Kounde.
In conforming with FFP laws, Chelsea are looking to clear out some players to make room for Kounde as per journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Davide Zappacosta is set to join Atalanta. The deal will be for an initial loan to purchase him permanently for a fee of £8m. Elsewhere, striker Ike Ugbo will also move to Belgian outfit Genk for a mere £5m.
Kurt Zouma is still a wanted man at West Ham and Tottenham Hotspurs, while 22-year-old Malang Sarr is disposed to a Bologna loan move.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
