Report: Chelsea set to reignite interest in 22-year-old La Liga star but on one condition

Chelsea would be willing to ‘reignite’ their interest in Jules Kounde if Sevilla lower their asking price

According to information provided by sources to ESPN, Chelsea are ready to orchestrate a €50million move for Jules Kounde in January if Sevilla agree to lower their asking price.

The 22-year-old, who is one of the best-emerging centre-backs currently in world football, was touted for a move to Stamford Bridge all summer. The youngster also seemed to have agreed on personal terms with the club but the Blues were yet to structure the deal.

Chelsea were also believed to have offered Sevilla a cash-plus player deal including Kurt Zouma, but Zouma did not wish to be a part of this swap deal and instead wanted a move to a Premier League club. The 26-year-old did eventually complete a move to West Ham United, but the Blues failed to get a deal over the line for Kounde.

Kounde failed a move to Chelsea this summer.
Kounde failed a move to Chelsea this summer. (imago Images)

From the perspective of the West London club, it is believed that they were close to striking a deal for the young Frenchman for £42.7million. However, Sevilla apparently changed their stance towards the latter stages of the transfer window and were keen on securing a fee of €80million for their prized asset.

The London club, who currently possess the likes of Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Trevoh Chalobah in their centre-back options, could do with a defender as young as Kounde.

While Silva is in the final year of his contract, he will also turn 38 next year. On the other hand, there is a possibility that Antonio Rudiger moves to PSG on a free transfer next summer. Signing a player of Kounde’s ilk will also bring down the average age of the Chelsea backline and add a lot of quality to the existing lot.

Chelsea are willing to make a move for Kounde in January if Sevilla reduce their asking price to €50million.
Chelsea are willing to make a move for Jules Kounde in January if Sevilla reduce their asking price. (imago Images)

More Chelsea News

However, the Blues are only said to be willing to pursue a deal for the Frenchman if the Spanish outfit lowers its asking price to €50million. Thus, it remains to be seen whether the La Liga budge on their valuation of the centre-back in the winter transfer window.