Chelsea still have “work to do” in the transfer of Jules Koundé according to Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea correspondent at Goal.
The French international is one of the Blues’ primary targets this window following more than 12 months of interest and a transfer that failed to materialise last summer.
Jules Koundé Open to Move but Chelsea Need to Strike Deal With Sevilla
What’s Holding Up the Transfer?
There are a number of factors slowing down Koundé’s move to London.
Last summer, Sevilla reportedly held firm in their valuation of the player as Chelsea didn’t match the £56 million offer that was required.
The transfer fee may also be a stumbling block this season, as it was last. Sevilla know the value of the 23-year-old but Chelsea director and chief negotiator Marina Granovskaia will test their resolve to help maximise Todd Boehly’s first war chest.
Koundé also struggled with a groin injury for the majority of last season. He underwent minor surgery to treat this ongoing issue earlier this month. Chelsea were aware of the situation but may be waiting to see how the player reacts to the procedure before taking decisive action.
Jules Koundé committed only 15 fouls in La Liga last season, with an 80% success rate in his tackles.
— @sport pic.twitter.com/Cb0qjP6t1n
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 18, 2022
Personal Terms Agreed With Jules Koundé Since Last Summer
Personal terms have never been an issue in Koundé’s transfer to Chelsea – there was reportedly an agreement in place for a five-year contract last summer, and the same is true now.
Koundé is very interested in making the move to West London and dismissed interest from Barcelona in favour of linking up with Thomas Tuchel.
With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen already leaving the Blues this season, and Cesar Azpilicueta reportedly eyeing a return to Spain, there’s a definite need for defensive reinforcements at Stamford Bridge.
Koundé is one of the hottest defensive prospects in European football, so getting this deal over the line will go a long way to bolstering Chelsea’s back line for the coming season.
What Other Business Will Chelsea Do This Summer?
Despite their new owners providing substantial financial backing in this window, Chelsea have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far.
The rumours suggest that the Blues have been focused on resolving ongoing contract discussions and making decisions about the futures of their existing players.
Tuchel is also assessing his options from the current crop at the club ahead of the new season, with some of their on-loan talents like Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja making real cases for a chance in the first team based on recent performances.
In terms of arrivals, Chelsea have been heavily linked with Raheem Sterling and Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slolina recently, which are the most widely-reported potential incomings along with Koundé.
There also have been links to Gabriel Jesus and Ousmane Dembele throughout the summer so far but these seem to only be interest at the moment.
