Chelsea step up negotiations to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla as they look to beat Barcelona to his signature… and the Blues are prepared to pay more than £46MILLION to bring the versatile defender to Stamford Bridge
- Chelsea are in talks with Sevilla for French centre-back Jules Kounde
- LaLiga giants Barcelona are also interested in signing Kounde this summer
- Chelsea have already had a £46million offer knocked back by Sevilla
- They are now ready to increase their offer as they try to wrap up the deal
- Chelsea also remain keen on Paris St Germain centre-back Presnel Kimpembe
Chelsea have advanced negotiations with Sevilla for defender Jules Kounde as they look to head off competition from Barcelona.
The 23-year-old is back on Chelsea’s agenda along with Paris St Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe after Manchester City blocked a move for Nathan Ake.
The Blues have held a long-term interest in Kounde as they were keen on signing him last summer, but were unable to get a deal across the line.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is attracting interest from Chelsea and Barcelona
Chelsea have already signed defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli recently
Thomas Tuchel is still trying to strengthen his defence after bringing in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, having lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen earlier this summer, and has turned his attention to Kounde once more.
Chelsea’s initial proposal of £46m including add-ons for Kounde was rebuffed early this week but they are prepared to increase their offer as Sevilla push for £55m.
Barcelona are offering players plus cash in more structured payments.
Kounde can also cover at full-back and his arrival would be timely as Barcelona step up talks to sign Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Paris St Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe is also on Chelsea’s wish list
Barcelona remain interested in signing Chelsea club captain Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea have maintained they want a £7m fee and another full-back before allowing the 32-year-old to leave.
Tuchel currently has Reece James to call upon at right-back, but his cover options would be limited if Azpilicueta departs.
Azpilicueta has been at Stamford Bridge for the past decade and is the current club captain, so it is little surprise that Chelsea want to be well-compensated prior to moving him on.
