Transfer News: Chelsea set to spend a ‘large chunk’ of their summer budget on Sevilla defender Jules Kounde
According to the Athletic (Subscription Required), Chelsea would be prioritising the signing of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window amid a defensive dilemma.
Thomas Tuchel is set to receive a £200million budget for the coming summer window. Considering all the problems Chelsea have in the team, the money might not be as overwhelming as it seems. Furthermore, the figure also depends on how much the club earns in player sales.
Chelsea are set to lose a series of quality defenders in the summer transfer window. The sanctions and ownership issues might have played a big role in creating the problem, but as Todd Boehly has taken the charge of the club, the Blues might be able to operate normally in the following transfer window.
The future of Andreas Christensen, César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso is hanging by a thread and they seem to be inclined towards a move away from the Blues. With Antonio Rudiger already pledging his future to Real Madrid, Chelsea would be left with Thiago Silva as the only experienced centre-back.
Amid such a situation defensive reinforcement has become a top priority at Chelsea and it is believed that they are ready to spend a hefty amount from their transfer budget for the signing of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, who could cost above £50million.
Is it a good decision?
As several Chelsea players are looking for an exit away from Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel might have to rebuild the team from the ground up. Even though defensive reinforcement seems to be the priority at this moment, several other positions require crucial if not similar attention.
Chelsea forwards haven’t lived up to expectations in the last campaign. Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz haven’t been able to show consistency, which reflects that Tuchel would require much more depth to have a shot at the title.
On the other hand, in the defence line, there are multiple requirements. As there isn’t much backup for Ben Chilwell, a left-back signing is as important as a centre-back. Furthermore, if Azpilicueta leaves, the Blues might have to sign a backup for Reece James as well. Both Marcos Alonso and Reece James are also being linked with a move away from the Bridge.
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But then again, Kounde is young, and perhaps won’t take a very large chunk out of our kitty. If the club can bargain for a fee, then even better. Otherwise, it would be a good option to first seal Kounde’s signature and then start to focus elsewhere.
Good players don’t necessarily have to be expensive and the Blues can make some shrewd signings in other positions to make up for the potential spending on Kounde.