Chelsea have hit a roadblock in their pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Blues are currently not expected to sign the defender after Sevilla increased their demands for the 22-year-old.
Chelsea’s Pursuit of Jules Kounde Hanging in the Balance
Sevilla Increase the Asking Price for Kounde
Chelsea have been hit with a huge blow in their pursuit of Kounde following Sevilla’s increased asking price. The Blues had been in the driving seat to sign the French international. Chelsea had even reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish side over the transfer of the defender, but the club’s decision to improve the asking price of the defender by €15 million has put the potential transfer in jeopardy.
Chelsea are refusing to be bullied into paying over the odds for signing the Frenchman but remain open to completing the transfer for the previously agreed transfer fee. Sevilla’s decision to improve their price has reportedly happened following the sale of Kurt Zouma to West Ham United. The Spanish side’s decision to raise their price could well be a negotiating tactic by the shrewd Sevilla director of football, Monchi. The deal is unlikely to progress unless one of the parties involved has a change in their stance.
Sevilla’s improved demands could also be due to their failure to find a replacement for the French defender. The Spanish side have been looking to sign Sven Botman from Lille, but they are facing competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chelsea Still Have Options in Central Defence
If Chelsea fail to sign Kounde this transfer window, they will still have plenty of central defenders in their squad. The Blues have Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chaloabh to choose from.
The emergence of Chalobah, in particular, has reduced the Blues’ need for a central defender this summer. The 22-year-old has been impressive since making his debut for the club this season.
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