Chelsea handed transfer boost as Sevilla defender Jules Kounde likely to be available for lower fee in the summer
According to Spanish publication AS (h/t football.london), Chelsea may be able to snap up French international Jules Kounde in the summer for a fee that is significantly lower than his release clause because of Sevilla’s financial issues.
The Blues were close to a move for the defender the previous summer, but negotiations broke down at the last minute, and the defender ended up staying in La Liga for another season. However, his year in Andalusia has only shown promise for Chelsea as Kounde continues to perform consistently in defence and prove his capabilities as a top player.
With a move last year coming to nothing, it is expected that Kounde would be more than open to moving to Stamford Bridge soon if Sevilla agrees on a transfer fee.
This news certainly comes as a boost for Chelsea, as their current defensive situation is likely to cause worry. Senior defenders Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Cesar Azpilicueta are all out of contract in the summer and have shown no indication as of yet to extend their current deals.
Summer move a cheaper option
The Blues are looking at a situation where we could be short of defenders ahead of the new season, so a transfer move for a defender is a priority. In a worst-case scenario where we lose all our senior defenders, a world-class defender needs to come in to mount a challenge for trophies next season. Kounde fits the bill from what we have seen from him so far.
Despite a move for the 23-year-old possible this month with the winter transfer window open, Sevilla are reluctant to sell their star midway through the season. However, the good news is that Chelsea may be able to land their defensive target for around £40m in the summer window.
Kounde has proven himself at Sevilla and earned a call-up to the French national team for his performances. But if he is to become a mainstay in the national team setup, the defender needs to move to a bigger club. Chelsea offers him that choice.
Apart from being a centre-back that the club is so keen on and desperately requires, Chelsea also offers the Frenchman the chance to win some major trophies.
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At 23, Kounde has shown the quality to become a future asset and would instantly get a place in the backline of the Chelsea team, considering his recent performances. The Blues could help him go from potential superstar to world-class.
Kounde is an excellent player who would be worth his weight in gold if we can land him. As long as he is available for a transfer, Chelsea should do all they can to land the Frenchman’s services.