Transfer News: Chelsea eye Jules Kounde of Sevilla to offset the likely departure of Antonio Rudiger
According to Nizaar Kinsella of GOAL, as quoted by Pys (h/t Football.London), Chelsea have decided to make Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde their primary defensive target to compensate for the increasingly likely departure of Antonio Rudiger.
The 28-year-old will see his contract end in the summer where he will become a free agent. He will also be able to legally agree to a pre-contract agreement with other clubs from January. He recently rejected a £140,000 a week offer from the Blues and is demanding a higher salary package worth £200,000 a week.
Marina Granovskaia is hesitant to meet Rudiger’s demands, and the chances of his departure are increasing day by day. She has shortlisted Kounde as a replacement for the German defender should he leaves Stamford Bridge.
According to Foot Mercato via Sport Witness (h/t Football.London), Paris Saint-Germain have contacted the agent of the Chelsea ace regarding a potential move in the summer transfer window. Sahr Senesie, the agent, is already involved in negotiations over a transfer to the Parc des Princes.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the situation to try their hands in getting his signature. An exit could be in line if Granovskaia and the board refuse to give in to Rudiger’s demands. They however look set to make their move for Kounde should the unthinkable happen.
Kounde would be a fine addition and can be a long term solution for the Blues at centre-back. It will however present a new challenge for Thomas Tuchel who had made Rudiger an integral part of hisrock-solid defence.
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The Champions League winners have the best defence in the Premier League, with just four goals conceded so far. The contribution of the German cannot be overlooked in such a situation, and he would feel that a raise is warranted. However, should matters come to worse,Kounde is no pushover and has already proven his abilities at the top level.