Chelsea have prioritised French defender Jules Koundé in the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 23-year-old has been high on the radar of Thomas Tuchel for some time and Romano adds that talks are advanced on the player side.
However, it is believed that Sevilla are still waiting to receive an official bid for the Frenchman, who is valued at €65 million.
Jules Koundé is still a priority for Chelsea. Tuchel wants him. Talks are well advanced on player side, while Sevilla are still waiting to receive the opening bid.
Price tag will be around €65m.
– @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/bPN1VzJwP5
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) June 9, 2022
Chelsea Prioritise French Defender
Chelsea’s Defensive Departures and Possible Targets
Following the departure of German defender Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and imminent loss of Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé would be seen as a direct replacement in defence.
There is also uncertainty over Marcos Alonso, who is expected to join Christensen at Barcelona in the coming weeks.
With Koundé, Tuchel has been an admirer of the French defender for some time and the German is in need of defensive reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season.
His versatility could be key for the Blues as the 23-year-old centre back can also play as a right-back, should Tuchel need him to do so.
Koundé, who is out of contract in 2024, does have a release clause of €80 million but Romano states that the price tag will be around €65 million, which is just over £55 million. However, this won’t be an issue under the new ownership of Todd Boehly.
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The Blues are also in the market for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, with the 21-year-old having already established himself in the Premier League.
Josko Gvardiol is another defensive option for Chelsea. The left-footed centre back, who plays for RB Leipzig, has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising defenders, but Chelsea could face competition from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
No Offer Yet For Sevilla Defender
As previously stated, Chelsea are yet to table a bid for Koundé, with Sevilla still awaiting an official offer.
The defender joined Sevilla from Bordeaux in 2019 and has gone on to make 133 appearances for Los Nervionenses. He also has ten caps for the French national team.
