Transfer News: Chelsea told to pay up £50m for target Jules Kounde

According to transfer news from The Athletic (h/t Metro), Sevilla have set an asking price of £50m for Chelsea target Jules Kounde. The French defender has attracted the attention of several clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal but they will have to shell out the premium bucks if they want to land him.

Chelsea are looking at defensive options, with some players like Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta at the twilight of their careers. Kounde is among the names being considered by the Blues and Tuchel. Adding a new defender has become a priority, with Thomas Tuchel switching to a back three.

ESP: CA Osasuna-Sevilla FC. La Liga Santander. Jules Kounde of Sevilla FC and Ruben Garcia of CA Osauna during the La Liga match between CA Osasuna and Sevilla FC played at El Sadar Stadium on February 21, 2020 in Pamplona, Spain. Copyright: xPRESSINPHOTOx PS_2102022_014

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. He was a central part en route to Sevilla’s Europa League win in 2020.

Now, it has been reported that Sevilla have set a massive asking price for him. The Spanish club have qualified for next season’s Champions League and hence can afford to ask around £50m for the talented centre-back.

What gives Chelsea the upper hand in the chase is that the defender is keen on playing in the Champions League, something the Blues can offer but Arsenal can’t.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Pressinphoto/Shutterstock 11869941ac Jules Kounde of Sevilla FC Levante UD v Sevilla FC, LaLiga Santander, date 31. Football, Ciutat de Valencia Stadium, Valencia, Spain – 21 APR 2021

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With Tuchel switching to a back three, it does make sense to go after at least one new centre-back. Refreshing the defensive options ahead of next season might be a very good idea. In Kounde, they will get a player they can rely on for years.