Chelsea look set to lock down one of their biggest targets of the summer transfer window according to new reports from Ben Jacobs. Jacobs has issued an update on the Jules Kounde transfer race and states “Kounde to #cfc will be fully finalised in the coming hours”.
Jacobs reiterated that Barcelona simply couldn’t match the offer from Chelsea which led to the French defender choosing the Premier League side. Chelsea failed to sign the Frenchman last summer, but their progress in the deal this time around has been rapid. It is clear that they mean business under new owner Todd Boehly.
Still just 23 years of age, Kounde is a fantastic player, having been described as a “mentality monster”. It is also thought that he would be a “perfect fit” for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
Chelsea now believe they’ve won the race for Jules Kounde. Barca still haven’t formally bid & accept they can’t match #CFC’s offer. Sevilla & Chelsea have an agreement with only minor points being finalised. Personal terms to Kounde preferable to what Barcelona offered, too.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 22, 2022
Jules Kounde Expected to Sign With Chelsea ‘In The Coming Hours’
Chelsea’s £55m bid for Jules Koundé was submitted during the afternoon and it’s still discussed with Sevilla on payment terms, structure and more. Talks on also right now. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Chelsea, waiting for final green light as they know Barcelona are still pushing with the player. pic.twitter.com/UB7akeKcZz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2022
Key Signings
One of the key focuses of this window for Thomas Tuchel and his side has been strengthening the defence. With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving the club over the summer, cavalry was needed. The French international was one of the club’s main targets in this window and with a move for Presnel Kimpembe looking unlikely this was a deal that had to be done.
Read More: Chelsea Line Up Move for Exciting Prospect
With Tuchel’s side already digging into their Plan-B to sign Kalidou Koulibaly they needed to beat Barcelona to the punch this time. It appears that the club will look to complete its new-look defence by picking up Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.
Barcelona Fought Until The End
Ben Jacobs’ report stated that the Catalan giants were hoping to repeat the Raphinha transfer by getting the player to wait for the club to find a way to finance the move. Despite that, they reportedly hadn’t made an official bid for the Sevilla defender.
Read More: Thomas Tuchel Fighting to Keep Talented Youngster at Chelsea
