Transfer News: Chelsea and Sevilla open to Hakim Ziyech – Jules Kounde swap
According to transfer news from The Sun, Chelsea are willing to offer Hakim Ziyech in a swap deal for Jules Kounde. Sevilla are said to be open to letting one of their prized assets leave, provided they get Ziyech in return.
Chelsea are looking at defensive options, with some players like Silva and Azpilicueta at the fag end of their careers. Kounde is among the names being considered by the Blues and Tuchel. Adding a new defender has become a priority, with Tuchel switching to a back three.
Kounde has made a name for himself in the short while he has been at Sevilla. That has encouraged teams from all over Europe to keep an eye on him and clubs are trying to sign him. It has been said that Sevilla want an eye-watering £52million for Kounde.
Nonetheless, Chelsea have a huge card up their sleeve to almost slash the price by half. The Blues have a player that Sevilla have long chased – Hakim Ziyech. Ever since his Ajax days, Sevilla have been after him and now they are willing to let go of Kounde only if they receive Ziyech and some cash.
The Moroccan joined the club amid fanfare this past summer, with a deal being agreed last season itself. He came to England after displaying some scintillating form for Ajax. However, the 28-year-old has failed to carry over that form into the current season and has made just 23 league appearances.
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With finances tight at all the clubs currently, swap deals could be the norm. Chelsea have an attacker surplus, with the likes of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount playing as attacking midfielders. Letting go of Ziyech to land Kounde might not be such a bad move. Kounde can be a long-term addition to the side.