Sevilla reject Chelsea offer for Jules Kounde; want cash-only deal
According to the Metro, La Liga side Sevilla have rejected the player-plus-cash offer from Chelsea for the signing of French defender Jules Kounde.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is intent on adding another top-class centre-back to his roster this summer, which is very much understandable considering that Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are fast approaching the twilight of their careers.
In addition, both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are out of contract in 2022, making the addition of a new central defender imperative for the Blues, in the immediate and the long-term sense.
Kounde, to that end, has emerged as a top target for Chelsea. The Blues had submitted an offer of £30m for the Frenchman, in addition to offering Sevilla Kurt Zouma as a makeweight. With the latter being valued at £25m, the value of the total deal came up to £55m.
However, Sevilla have flat out rejected the west London giants’ offer for the 22-year-old France international. Instead, the La Liga giants are said to have demanded Chelsea that they pay cash only. But they may be willing to lower their demands somewhat from Kounde’s £68m release clause.
Kounde, who has swiftly grown into one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe, is keen on a move to the Bridge, as per the report. The personal terms are also expected to be sewed up without any issues either.
More Chelsea News
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- Six Chelsea players offered to Sevilla to choose from as part of Jules Kounde deal
- Transfer News: Chelsea outcast Tiemoue Bakayoko wants AC Milan move
It all comes down to Chelsea being able to convince Sevilla to accept their offer for the 22-year-old. Negotiations over the deal continue as of now. And a resolution could very well be on the horizon, although it remains to be seen if Chelsea are ready to meet their demands.