Barcelona transfer target Jules Kounde has decided to snub a move to the Nou Camp in favour of a switch to the Premier League.
Jules Kounde Transfer Decision Made as Barcelona Snubbed
Defensive Target ‘Really Up’ for Joining Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea have moved a step closer to making their first signing of the summer after receiving a boost in their pursuits of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
The 23-year-old central defender is one of Thomas Tuchel’s main defensive targets this summer as he looks to improve the Blues defensive ranks. After a failed attempt to sign him in January, Tuchel will have another go at signing the French international this summer.
Tuchel has already lost the services of Antonio Rudiger (free transfer to Real Madrid) and Andreas Christensen (released), meaning the Chelsea boss must make additions if he wants to continue deploying his preferred back-three set-up. Cesar Azpilicueta could also soon be heading out the door at Stamford Bridge.
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According to Nizaar Kinsella, the Blues have “a financial agreement in place” with the French international but have yet to strike a deal with the La Liga outfit. Kinsella adds that Kounde has shown a preference to sign for Chelsea amid links with Barcelona.
It is little surprise to see Chelsea and Sevilla struggling to come to an agreement over Kounde’s valuation. Marca claims that the south Spanish side are holding out for at least €65m (£57.8m) to allow the defender to move to England, whilst the Blues have reportedly been valuing the defender at around €50m (£42.9m).
Tuchel may well find his hands tied when it comes to negotiating to sign Kounde. The Blues boss is being backed financially by new owner Todd Boehly but how far that wallet will be stretched is yet to be seen.
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Kounde, 23, has made almost 100 La Liga appearances and featured eleven times for the French national team.
Sevilla will almost certainly feel, therefore, that the defender’s value will only ever increase over the next couple of years. With another two years still to go on his existing deal, they will also feel no pressure to sell if they don’t want to.
#ChelseaFC remain confident in signing French defender Jules Kounde after #Barcelona late interest!
Chelsea are hopeful to sign Kounde for around £50m but Seville are demanding his release clause is me (£68.2m)
🔵🔵🔵 pic.twitter.com/eDMnxPXYP3
— Onside Football (@OnsideUK) June 16, 2022
